Drew Rom
Age: 18
2018 Level: Rookie
2018 Stats
Current/Future/Ceiling Grades: 20/45/55
What we know:
It’s all about projection with the 18-year old left-handed pitching prospect. A 4th round pick with a fastball that sits just 87-90, he offsets that with a slider and change that he can throw for strikes. The Orioles think there is more velocity in the arm and that with his feel for pitching his slider and changeup have a good chance of improving as well. Was limited to three innings stints in his professional debut, but once he got his feet under him, dominated GCL batters over his last six appearances allowing just two earned runs on just seven hits and three walks while striking out 19 over his 17.2 IP. With his advanced feel for pitching, could get an opportunity to compete for a spot in Delmarva’s rotation in 2019.
What we don’t know:
He so far away we don’t know how he will develop and if his fastball can make a velocity jump. Can he stay healthy? Will his slider and change continue to develop? Can he maintain his stuff deep into games?
What we think:
Although we are being aggressive ranking him so high so early in his career, we like the fact that he has a good understanding of pitching already and a frame and arm that suggests he could add some velocity. He’s one of the top under 20-years old in the system to watch.
