Former Red Sox 1st Round Pick Named Dark Horse Candidate to Make Roster

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One of the Red Sox’s former first round picks, Mikey Romero, has been labeled a dark horse candidate to crack the team’s Opening Day roster

The Boston Red Sox are entering the 2026 campaign in a bit of an odd spot. After going on an unexpected playoff run last season, the front office was expected to swing some big moves in an effort to improve the roster. While the team has been active on the trade market, it has missed out on just about every one of its targets in free agency.

While it remains to be seen if Boston’s roster is better than it was last season, it’s clear there is a ton of young talent roaming the fields in Fort Myers, FL, right now. One guy who is flying under the radar is former first-round pick Mikey Romero, and after a strong start in Spring Training, he’s been labeled a dark horse candidate that could potentially crack the team’s Opening Day roster.

Mikey Romero Labeled Dark Horse Candidate to Make Red Sox’s Roster

Romero was selected with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, and he has quickly risen through the team’s farm system. Most recently ranked the team’s No. 6 overall prospect, Romero is a utility infielder who can play strong defense at second base, third base, and shortstop, depending on what his team needs from him.

Injuries slowed down Romero early in his pro career, but he managed to play 111 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season. Romero’s final numbers on the year were solid (.245 BA, 17 HR, 76 RBI, .751 OPS), and he appears to be on the verge of finding his way to the majors at some point in 2026.

That time could arrive right at the beginning of the season, as Romero finds himself in a crowded battle for the team’s utility infielder spot. After getting off to a hot start in Spring Training, though, Ian Browne of MLB.com recently picked out Romero as a dark horse candidate to make the roster right out of camp this season.

“Romero has impressed team evaluators with his physicality, as he is at last back to 100 percent after spending his first couple of pro seasons bogged down by injuries,” Browne wrote. “Splitting last season between Double-A and Triple-A, Romero belted 17 homers. With Romy Gonzalez (left shoulder injury) appearing unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, that creates a possible opening for Romero and several other players in camp.”

Should Mikey Romero Make Red Sox’s Opening Day Roster?

GettyOne of the Red Sox’s former first round picks, Mikey Romero, has been labeled a dark horse candidate to crack the team’s Opening Day roster

Romero has gotten lost in a wave of Red Sox prospects who have found their way to the majors in recent years. When you have young studs like Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell all making their big-league debuts last season, that’s going to happen, but Romero has proven that he could potentially be ready to make his own star turn this season.

Romy Gonzalez’s murky injury situation has opened the door for Romero, and with Campbell’s spot in the field still somewhat unknown, this job could wind up being his to lose. Romero is going to have to continue producing during Spring Training if he wants to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, but as of right now, it looks like he has a real shot at making the team.

Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli