Stefen Romero

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #15 prospect in 2014
  Romero broke through in 2012 when he earned the Mariners' minor league player of the year honor, batting .352/.391/.599 with 23 homers between high Class A High Desert and Double-A Jackson. His production went backward in 2013, but he still earned a spot on the club's 40-man roster. Romero suffered a strained left oblique muscle when he swung at and missed a breaking pitch during 2013 spring training, an injury that caused him to miss the last four weeks. A second and third baseman previously, he shifted to left field at Triple-A Tacoma in 2013, though he still played two games at the keystone. Romero can hit for average and has average power, but his speed and arm are just adequate. He draws high marks for his makeup and work ethic. He will go back to Triple-A Tacoma in 2014 to try to hit his way into a crowded Mariners outfield picture.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #8 prospect in 2013
  Romero hit 13 home runs as an Oregon State junior in 2010, but he still lasted 12 rounds in the draft, in part because he broke his elbow late in the season. After signing for $100,000 he focused on improving his conditioning and agility, which gave him a better chance to stick at second base. He won Mariners minor league player of the year honors in 2012, leading the system in hitting (.352) and slugging (.599). The Mariners view Romero as the best pure hitter in the system. His swing has balance and rhythm, and he shows good bat control along with strong wrists and forearms. He doesn't draw a lot of walks, but he also doesn't strike out much for a player with solid power. He has a grinder mentality and the ability to make in-game adjustments. Romero is an outlier with his size at second base, where he's adequate defensively. He has below-average speed and range, though he does possess solid arm strength. He played third base in college and profiles better there or on an outfield corner. Romero profiles as an above-average hitter with the potential for 20 homers a season. If he can do that, Seattle will find a spot in its lineup for him, perhaps at some point during the 2013 season.

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: Romero hit 13 home runs as an Oregon State junior in 2010, but he still lasted 12 rounds in the draft, in part because he broke his elbow late in the season. After signing for $100,000 he focused on improving his conditioning and agility, which gave him a better chance to stick at second base. He won Mariners minor league player of the year honors in 2012, leading the system in hitting (.352) and slugging (.599). Scouting Report: The Mariners view Romero as the best pure hitter in the system. His swing has balance and rhythm, and he shows good bat control along with strong wrists and forearms. He doesn't draw a lot of walks, but he also doesn't strike out much for a player with solid power. He has a grinder mentality and the ability to make in-game adjustments. Romero is an outlier with his size at second base, where he's adequate defensively. He has below-average speed and range, though he does possess solid arm strength. He played third base in college and profiles better there or on an outfield corner. The Future: Romero profiles as an above-average hitter with the potential for 20 homers a season. If he can do that, Seattle will find a spot in its lineup for him, perhaps at some point during the 2013 season.