JoJo Romero Readies For Double-A Test

Lefthander JoJo Romero began his college career in the bullpen at Nevada, transferred to Yavapai (Ariz.) JC as a sophomore and planned to enroll at Arizona for his junior year. He never made it to Tucson.

The Phillies selected Romero in the fourth round in 2016. He signed and has quickly become one of the organization’s top pitching prospects.

“Signing was the best decision I’ve made,” said the 21-year-old Romero, who signed for an above-slot $800,000.

In his first full season in 2017, the Oxnard, Calif., native posted a 2.16 ERA in 23 starts at low Class A Lakewood and high Class A Clearwater. He gave up 104 hits, struck out 128 and walked 36 in 129 innings.

“He had a great year developmentally,” director of player development Joe Jordan said. “He really figured out what he had and how to use it.”

Romero, a rugged 6-foot southpaw, throws what Jordan called “a true plus sinker” and a four-seam fastball up to 95 mph. He complements that with an offspeed repertoire highlighted by a plus changeup that helped him lead Yavapai to the national junior college title in 2016. Romero pitched a complete game and struck out 15 in the title game.

Romero credited Jerry Dawson, his pitching coach at Yavapai, for helping get him ready for the pro game.

“He’s a wizard,” Romero said.

Romero believes his biggest improvement in 2017 came in learning the subtleties of pitching.

“My pitchability came a long way,” he said. “I worked more on being a pitcher instead of a thrower. I got to pitch against Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, and just seeing hitters like that who have big presences at home plate—you really have to get into that deeper analytical side of baseball. You really have to use your intelligence and study the scouting reports.”

Romero faced those two brilliant Blue Jays prospects in his final start of 2017. He needed just 70 pitches to complete six innings of walk-free, four-hit ball and he gave up just an unearned run to lead Clearwater to a 3-1 win against Dunedin.

“I saw that game,” Jordan said. “He shredded that lineup.”

Romero will compete for a spot in the Double-A Reading rotation in spring training.