South Side Sox Top Prospect No. 64: Romy González

Romy González
6´1´´
210 pounds
Bats: Right
Age: 22
SSS rank among all center fielders in the system: 8

Roman (Romy) González, a native of Hialeah, Fla., had an interesting career at the University of Miami. He struggled badly in his freshman year, where he slashed .173/.215/.280, with just one homer in 75 at-bats. González improved mightily the next year, to the tune of .265/.344/.462 while hitting 11 homers and stealing 13 bases; many preseason scouting reports projected him going in the top five rounds in the MLB draft. However, in his junior season for the Hurricanes, González’s power went south. Although successful in 22-of-26 stolen base attempts, he hit just four homers in nearly 200 at-bats, with a slash line of .273/.358/.394 — not exactly the marks of a high-round draft pick. The White Sox opted to buy low and drafted him in the 18th round, reeling him with a signing bonus of $125,000. Shortly after the draft, GM Rick Hahn was asked who may be the sleeper pick of 2018, and he immediately referred to González.

Although González’s power numbers fell in his junior season with Miami, they rebounded in the higher altitude of the Pioneer League. He slashed .254/.323/.498 with Great Falls in his first minor league campaign, hitting 10 homers, 15 doubles, and two triples in 201 at-bats. He also continued to efficiently swipe bases (successful in 10-of-11 attempts). González especially improved his power numbers as the year progressed; of his 26 hits since August 1, 17 took the extra-base route: nine doubles, one triple, and seven homers. His bugaboo in Montana, as it was in his collegiate career, was strikeouts. González walked 18 times for the Voyagers but struck out 65, constituting a nearly 30% punchout rate.

González spent the majority of the season as the Voyagers DH due to elbow soreness, but played center field exclusively at the end of the year. He played 14 games of errorless ball there, but didn’t have any assists. It’s possible that he either didn’t have many opportunities to throw out baserunners, or he was simply not overexerting himself on long throws due to his injury.

All previous scouting reports, from Perfect Game to 2080 Baseball, indicate that González’s arm is plus to double-plus. He primarily played second and third base with Miami, but his arm strength and size indicate he’d be a better fit at the hot corner if he had to play an infield position. Romy, of course, could also play first base, but that would underutilize his speed (he ran a 6.83 60-yard-dash in the 2015 World Showcase) and range. Provided his arm is healthy, González profiles best as a right fielder, where he can show off his cannon arm; with that said, he does have the athletic ability to play all three outfield positions — at least until his range declines due to age and/or increased bulk.

In a further indication that the White Sox are willing to baby González a bit out of the gate due to his elbow, rather than advancing the Hurricanes product to Kannapolis in 2019 it looks like he will be repeating a season at Great Falls.

Take a look!

Pioneer League playoff highlights from KRTV in Great Falls.

2019 South Side Sox Top 100 Prospects

64. Romy González, CF
65. Carlos Perez, C
66. Trey Michalczewski, 3B
67. Taylor Varnell, LHSP
68. John Parke, LHSP
69. Mike Morrison, RHRP
70. Zach Remillard, 3B
71. Luis Martinez, RHSP
72. Zach Lewis, RHSP
73. José Nin, RHRP
74. Colton Turner, LHSP
75. Jhoandro Alfonso, C
76. Ramon Beltre, 2B
77. Charlie Tilson, CF
78. Hunter Kiel, RHRP
79. Jason Bilous, RHSP
80. Nick Johnson, RHRP
81. Danny Dopico, RHRP
82. Harvin Mendoza, 1B
83. Logan Sowers, RF
84. Maiker Feliz, 3B
85. Brayan Herrera, RHSP
86. Craig Dedelow, LF
87. Wilber Pérez, RHSP
88. Kyle Kubat, LHRP
89. Johan Dominguez, RHRP
90. Mitch Roman, 2B
91. Ty Greene, C
92. Tanner Banks, LHSP
93. Jake Elliott, RHRP
94. Kevin Escorcia, LHRP
95. Luis Rodriguez, RHSP
96. Ian Dawkins, LF
97. Victor Diaz, RHRP
98. Travis Moniot, LF
99. Will Kincanon, RHRP
100. Brian Clark, LHRP

More information on South Side Top Prospects.