Minnesota Twins: A look at the Twins Top-5 prospects
2- Fernando Romero RHP
The Minnesota Twins have some high-quality pitching in the Minor Leagues and Fernando Romero is at the head of that list. Twins fans should remember that name, because he will have an impact on the 2018 season and more.
Romero is still a little raw, but his potential is sky-high. He combines a plus fastball with an above average slider and knows how to get outs. However, health has been an issue for Romero. He will have to prove he can stay healthy before getting an opportunity in The Show.
He made only three starts in 2014 and missed the entire 2015 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His recovery was a long process, but Romero looks like he has regained his form.
Romero has a career 2.85 ERA in 69 games, 54 starts, in the Minnesota Twins Minor League system. He has a very good 8.7 K/9 during his career and does a great job of keeping the ball in the yard. Romero has surrendered only six home runs in 303 1/3 innings pitched in the Minors and projects to be a top of the rotation type of pitcher.
The 2017 season was a promising sign that Romero is not far from having an impact in MLB. He had a 3.53 ERA while pitching 125 innings for Double-A Chattanooga and is on the cusp of the Majors.
What to expect from Romero in ’18
Romero has a chance to show the Minnesota Twins what he can do this Spring. However, chances are slim that he makes the Opening Day roster. That being said, the Twins have holes in the rotation, and a strong Spring could accelerate his advancement.
Romero, along with Stephen Gonsalves, gives the Twins a potentially great one-two punch in the rotation down the line. The injury to Ervin Santana has opened the door for Romero to make it to the big leagues sooner than expected.
However, patience is the key when considering what to do with a pitching prospect. Romero has flashed a big-time fastball and shows an understanding of how to pitch. However, he will still need a little more time in the Minors to hone his craft before slotting into the top of the Twins rotation.
We have already talked about four players who will leave their mark within the Minnesota Twins organization. However, now it’s time we discuss the cream of the crop, Royce Lewis, the Twins number one ranked prospect.