Chicago White Sox Claim Former Rockies Catcher Drew Romo from New York Mets

In a move to bolster their catching depth, the Chicago White Sox have claimed former Colorado Rockies catcher Drew Romo off waivers from the New York Mets, as announced by the club on January 8, 2026. To make room for Romo on the 40-man roster, the White Sox have designated infielder Ben Cowles for assignment.

Drew Romo’s Career Path and Decline in Recent Seasons

Drew Romo, who was selected by the Rockies in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft (No. 35 overall), once held significant promise. A highly touted prospect, Romo was ranked as high as No. 84 in MLB Pipeline’s Pre-2023 rankings, following impressive performances in Single-A and High-A from 2021 to 2022. His 2023 season saw him continue to build on his reputation, playing well between Double-A and Triple-A with a solid .762 combined OPS.

However, Romo’s trajectory took a downturn starting in 2024. That season, Romo posted a respectable .837 OPS in the Pacific Coast League, a notoriously hitter-friendly league, before making his major league debut with the Rockies. His time in the majors, though, was marked by struggles, as he registered a disappointing .176/.208/.235 slashline in 51 at-bats. During that stretch, he failed to hit a home run and only drove in six runs.

Romo’s difficulties continued in 2025. His numbers dipped in the minors, and though he was called up for a brief stint in September, he failed to register a hit in three pinch-hitting appearances, striking out in all three at-bats.

What Does Romo Bring to the White Sox?

Despite his offensive struggles, Romo is regarded as a quality defensive catcher with a strong arm. In his five seasons in the minors, Romo has displayed speed for a catcher, stealing 53 bases. However, his offensive output has been an issue, particularly in recent years. His strikeout rate has ballooned from 17.8% in 2024 to 25.8% in 2025 at the minor league level. His major league strikeout rate has been even worse, sitting at an alarming 37.5%.

Given his defensive prowess and speed, Romo still has the potential to develop into a solid backup catcher, especially with his ability to improve his strikeout rate. While he struggled in 2024 and 2025, he’s still only 24 years old and is not far removed from being considered a top-100 prospect.

The White Sox have three catchers on their roster with significant major league experience: Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, and Korey Lee. Teel and Quero, both former top-100 prospects, had strong rookie seasons in 2025, and Teel in particular looks like a potential starter going forward. Quero could provide value as a backup catcher or designated hitter. Meanwhile, Lee, who has four years of major league experience, brings versatility to the team with his defensive skills and strong arm, despite his offensive struggles.

With two option years remaining, Romo could serve as a depth piece in the minors for the White Sox, providing insurance should injuries arise or if the team needs additional catching depth down the road. His situation in Chicago is likely a developmental one, where he will look to refine his game in a more stable environment and work on his offensive inconsistencies.

Ben Cowles’ Departure

To make room for Romo on the 40-man roster, the White Sox designated infielder Ben Cowles for assignment. Cowles, still yet to make his major league debut, is known for his solid defense but has struggled offensively. With a below-average bat and some speed on the basepaths, Cowles could attract interest from other teams after clearing waivers. His defensive abilities may be enough to earn him a spot on another club’s roster, particularly for a team in need of depth at the infield position.

Romo’s Potential with the White Sox

At just 24 years old, Drew Romo still has room for growth, and the White Sox are taking a low-risk chance on a player who was once highly regarded as a top prospect. Moving from the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League to the White Sox organization could provide Romo with the fresh start he needs to regain his form. If he can address his strikeout issues, there’s a chance that Romo could develop into a dependable backup catcher for the White Sox or another team in the future.

As the White Sox continue to build their roster, adding Romo adds depth and potential in the catching position. With the team’s core already set, Romo’s future with the White Sox may depend on his ability to refine his offensive game while contributing defensively. His time in the minors should provide ample opportunity for improvement, and the White Sox are betting that the right environment will help him find his stride.

For the time being, Romo is a work in progress for Chicago, but if his previous promise resurfaces, he could prove to be a valuable asset to the organization down the line. The White Sox have the potential to turn Romo’s career around, but it will depend on his ability to refine his hitting mechanics and make adjustments as he continues to develop at the professional level.