Mikey Romero’s Challenging Start in Professional Baseball
Mikey Romero, chosen by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2022 draft, faced a tough beginning in professional baseball. After being picked in July, he participated in only 53 games over the next two seasons due to ongoing back issues, which also delayed the start of his 2024 season until May.
Overcoming Injuries
“The 2024 season was an interesting experience for me,” Romero shared with SoxProspects.com. “I returned in early May and gradually increased my game participation from three to four to five games a week. Consequently, I played only 77 games that season, but it felt like I was there all year, just ramping back up.”
Solid Performance in 2024
During the 2024 season, split between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland, Romero recorded an .808 OPS and hit 16 home runs—his first since 2022. This success post-injury set the stage for a productive offseason.
Reflecting on Growth
Romero expressed, “I knew I improved on many aspects after 2024. My offseason focus was on honing the underlying details of my game. While my statistics didn’t show exceptional performance, the improvements were significant, and I felt it was a solid year for my health and preparation.”
Promotion to Triple-A
Romero’s progress continued into 2025, leading to his promotion to Triple-A Worcester, where he stood out as the youngest player in the locker room. “I often converse with other players about their experiences, and they’re always surprised to learn I’m only 21,” he noted, showing pride in his achievement.
Learning from Veterans
Romero found the Triple-A experience quite unique, sharing a locker next to veteran Trayce Thompson. He appreciated Thompson’s insights on maintaining professionalism and developing a solid routine. Despite initial struggles at this level, Romero observed how seasoned players approached their craft, helping him refine his game.
Emphasizing Improvement
This season also brought new challenges, including playing third base, a position he was not familiar with professionally. Romero remarked, “I felt comfortable at third and had my best defensive performance yet. Regular practice and discussions with friends like Marcelo Mayer helped me improve.” He also focused on enhancing his overall game, noting significant progress in both strength and hitting efficiency this offseason.
