Why the Yankees Should Take a Long Look at Drew Romo
The New York Yankees’ offseason has been all about finding the right right-handed bat. Whether it’s pairing someone with Austin Wells behind the plate or adding a corner outfielder who fits better than Jasson Domínguez in the short term, the front office is clearly trying to balance the lefty-heavy roster. But amid all the speculation about marginal moves, one name just hit the market that deserves a closer look: Drew Romo.
Romo’s not just another depth piece. He’s a 24-year-old former Top-100 prospect with untapped potential and a profile that makes him stand out in a sea of low-upside catching options.
He was just designated for assignment by the White Sox as they cleared space for Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin, but this isn't your typical DFA candidate. There’s still ceiling here - and the Yankees should be paying attention.
Why Romo Makes Sense for the Yankees
Let’s start with the obvious: the Yankees need a right-handed catching option. Austin Wells has shown promise, but he’s a lefty bat, and the current alternatives on the right side - think Gary Sánchez or Alex Jackson - don’t exactly move the needle. Romo, at the very least, brings more intrigue than either of those names.
He’s not a finished product, and his bat has yet to make an impact at the big-league level. But in terms of pure upside?
He’s in a different tier. Romo peaked at No. 80 on Baseball America’s Top 100 list prior to the 2023 season, and while his development hasn’t followed a straight line, there are signs of legitimate progress.
In 2023, Romo hit 13 home runs and posted a .762 OPS across Double-A and a brief stint in Triple-A Albuquerque. Then came 2024 - his best professional season to date.
Playing in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, he slashed .297 with an .838 OPS. Sure, the altitude helped, but the production was real, and it showed that he’s still evolving at the plate.
Why He’s Available - and Why That’s an Opportunity
So why is a 24-year-old with that kind of resume floating around the waiver wire? It’s a combination of circumstance and depth.
The Rockies moved on after Hunter Goodman’s breakout season - an All-Star campaign that included a Silver Slugger - made Romo expendable. The White Sox, who briefly picked him up, are already loaded behind the plate with Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel in the pipeline.
They just didn’t have room.
But the Yankees? They’re not in that boat.
Catching depth is thin, and there’s a real opportunity here to grab a player with developmental upside without giving up much in return. Preempting the waiver process with a small trade could be the smart play - a low-risk move that could pay real dividends if Romo finds his swing.
What Romo Brings to the Table
Romo’s calling card has always been his defense. Even as his bat has developed slowly, scouts have consistently praised his work behind the plate - the framing, the footwork, the game-calling.
That’s the kind of foundation that buys you time in the majors. If the offense comes along, even modestly, he becomes a legitimate asset.
And while he hasn’t hit at the big-league level yet, he’s still young enough to do it. He’s not a finished product, but he’s not a longshot either. There’s a real chance he evolves into a solid No. 2 catcher with the potential to grow into more.
A Smart Fit for the Yankees' Roster Puzzle
The Yankees don’t need to swing for the fences here - they’ve already done that with Juan Soto. What they need now is to round out the roster with smart, strategic depth.
Romo fits that mold. He’s a right-handed bat with upside, a strong defensive profile, and a track record that suggests he’s still got room to grow.
And if you’re looking for a little bonus narrative? Romo grew up a Yankees fan - even if there’s some Astros fandom in there from the NL days. That’s not why you make the move, but it doesn’t hurt.
Bottom line: if the Yankees are serious about upgrading their catching depth - and not just filling a hole with a placeholder - Drew Romo is the most interesting option on the board. He’s available, he’s affordable, and he’s got a shot to be more than just a name on the back of the jersey. That’s the kind of move that can quietly pay off come October.