In a surprise to many the Oakland Athletics released the most dominant pitcher in this year’s World Baseball Classic, Miguel Romero.
The right-hander, although he did not have a great season in 2023, compiling a 0-1 record and a 6.60 ERA in 14 games in Las Vegas (AAA) at the time of his release, was still a highly valued arm by the organization. Romero, according to team scouts, had the best curveball in Oakland farm system in 2020.
This winter Miguel Romero in the opinion of many was the most dominant relievers in the LBPRC this season. In 11.2 innings pitched this winter, the Cuban flamethrower did not allow an earned run for the Gigantes de Carolina and served up 11 strikeouts, while also saving a game.
Oakland Athletics released Cuban RHP Luis Miguel Romero.
Romero was selected among the 3 best pitchers in the last V World Baseball Classic (2-0, 2.08 ERA, 8.2 IP, 13 SO). Romero was promoted to MLB in 2021 and did not play actively. He is now a phantom player himself. pic.twitter.com/WbK82tPaPH
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) May 23, 2023
The Guantanamo native was promoted by Oakland to the Majors in 2021 and although he did not pitch, he was the 378th player in history from the “Largest of the Antilles” to reach the big show.
The 29-year-old hurler also has the potential to unleash a 100-mph fastball. With the inclusion of Romero in the World Classic Classic, Cuba had a one of strongest bullpens in the event and it showed as they reached the semifinals of the tournament for the second time in its history.
Romero was the anchor of the Cuba’s pitching staff leading the WBC in wins (2), strikeouts (13) and placed in top three in ERA (2.08). Sources tell me that there is a grand interest for his services of the around Asia.
Although his change-up has been compared to that of Fernando Rodney he says he has better pitches in his arsenal, ““My change is common, it is not a pitch that has much movement, that it comes as a straight line and falls in front of home plate. It is effective, but I lean more on my cutter and curve. I only throw change-up sometimes.”
Armed with five above average pitches in his repertoire, Romero will not stay unemployed for long. Sources tell me that there are various Winter League teams also interested in the player.