In October of last year, my buddy Skyler wrote about Drew Romo’s future in the Colorado Rockies organization – specifically, whether or not he could still be considered the “catcher of the future,” a title that some had assigned him after seeing the potential he flashed in the Minor Leagues. The former number seven PuRP got a taste of the Show last season, but hasn’t been able to crack the big league roster as yet in 2025. With Colorado’s options at catcher a bit more varied than one would originally have thought, is Romo’s spot as the presumptive backstop of the next generation in jeopardy?
It’s a little complicated.
Some were surprised to see the Rockies tab Jacob Stallings and Hunter Goodman as the catchers on the Opening Day roster, though that may have been due to a nagging finger injury that necessitated a short rehab assignment. After returning to Triple-A Albuquerque, the California native has been serviceable but not exceptional in 2025, entering play on Wednesday slashing .247/.312/.412 and collecting two home runs with the ‘Topes. While perfectly acceptable, these numbers aren’t mind-blowing, especially in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. It’s a fairly small sample size – only about 25 games thus far this year – but it’s worth noting nonetheless.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Romo has plenty of time to unlock his offensive promise – we know it’s there, as evidenced by his effective 2023 campaign – but time is of the essence, at least more so than it was.
You may not know this, but Hunter Goodman has been pretty good this year. A fringe All-Star candidate, Goodman has gone from fringe depth piece to legitimate centerpiece of Colorado’s lineup. At just 25 years old, the powerful backstop hasn’t enjoyed the same amount of fanfare as his counterpart Romo, but is still in the prime of his career and could seemingly get even better from here. Colorado’s release of Jacob Stallings seemed to indicate the team’s commitment to allowing their young catchers develop, with Goodman being the greatest beneficiary of that directive.
Goodman’s breakout has been the story of the 2025 season, and there’s reason to believe he can continue to be a cornerstone of the Rockies batting order for years to come.
As of now, it seems that Goodman is unquestionably “the guy.” That doesn’t mean that Romo is locked out by any means, but it certainly muddies the waters a bit. It’s not just a two-horse race either; Cole Messina, drafted just last year, is starting to turn heads in the lower levels of Colorado’s Minor League system. Currently putting in work with the High-A Spokane Indians, the no. 27 PuRP and no. 29 prospect per MLB Pipeline seems to be taking significant strides and could very well force his way into the conversation sooner than later.
Messina’s combination of strong hitting, solid defense, and exceptional leadership skills at such a young age has some Rockies faithful salivating at the thought of him leading the rotation through games and powering the offense.
He’s brand new to the professional baseball world and, at just 22 years old, has got plenty of time to cook and hone his skillset. Still, Colorado finds themselves carrying three players that could reasonably hold the crown of “tomorrow’s catcher.” What should they do?
Well, they should be glad. After all, catcher hasn’t been a position of strength for the Rockies in what seems like ages, and yet now they find themselves with three young stars that hold tremendous upside. It’s not necessarily a bad problem to have, but we know that only two of the three names listed here can be on the MLB roster.
It seems, at present, that they’re not quite ready to give Romo another audition in the big leagues. The recent promotion of Austin Nola proved that they’re still looking for a bit more out of Romo (or at least want to continue to give him regular at-bats until they’re satisfied with his progress). Messina is on his way, but still needs a little while before he’ll be ready for an MLB tryout. Goodman, meanwhile, is tearing it up right now, but of course there’s no guarantee of future success. For my money, I really like Messina’s upside, so he gets my vote for the title of “catcher of the future.”
But that’s just one jabroni’s opinion. What about you? Who would you consider to be the “COTF?” Let me know!
On the farm
Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 18, El Paso Chihuahuas 5
The PCL, baby! The Isotopes laid it on thick for the Chihuahuas, who were unable to answer a nine-run fourth inning.
That pivotal frame saw 12 Albuquerque hitters come to the plate, with Braxton Fulford’s three-run home run being the biggest of their hits. Every Isotope starter tallied at least one base hit, but Fulford’s 4-for-4 day was the biggest of all. He also scored five runs and knocked in five.
Double-A: Hartford Yard Goats 5, Binghamton Rumble Ponies 3 (Game One)
Binghamton Rumble Ponies 6, Hartford Yard Goats 0 (Game Two)
The battle of ungulates was split between the Yard Goats and Rumble Ponies.
The first game of the day was decided by Nic Kent’s first home run of the season, a two-run shot that gave Hartford a lead they would not relinquish. Sean Sullivan’s quality start set the Yard Goats up for success on the road to victory.
In the second contest, Hartford’s batters found themselves unable to solve Joander Suarez, who allowed two hits and naught else through his six innings. The Rumble Ponies scored in the top of the first inning, which would prove to be all they’d need as they blanked their opponents for the following seven frames.
High-A: Spokane Indians 10, Tri-City Dust Devils 8
A wacky offensive affair between the Indians and the Hops would require extra innings to be decided.
Tied 7-7 after nine frames, the Indians would retake the lead in the top of the tenth after consecutive RBI doubles by Blake Wright and Jean Perez brought home two runs, with a third scoring on Darius Perry’s RBI single. Tri-City would manage to bring the winning run to the plate in the bottom of the inning before Bryson Hammer finally slammed the door.
Wright’s 5-for-5 day was the strongest of a few standout performances. Jesus Bugarin also brought his A-game, going 3-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored.
Single-A: Modesto Nuts 3, Fresno Grizzlies 0
Robert Calaz’s two hits were about the sole highlight for the Grizzlies, who were unable to mount any significant offense against Ryan Sloan and the rest of Modesto’s pitching staff.
A timely error and infield single did allow Fresno to bring the tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth, but Derek Bernard struck out to end the threat and the game.
For more on the Rockies farm system, check out this week’s Pebble Report.
★ ★ ★
On the internet
Do Numbers Say Rockies Should Be Worried About Chase Dollander? | Sports Illustrated
Chase Dollander’s struggles in his first season of big league action are to be expected, but some feel that they’re cause for concern beyond the typical growing pains.
Rockies hoping Yanquiel Fernandez’s power potential plays out | Denver Post ($$)
The promotion of exciting young slugger is a high point in a tough season for your fightin’ Rockies.
Rockies Veteran Infielder Could Be of Interest to Cubs Ahead of Trade Deadline | Sports Illustrated
And, of course, trade rumors.
★ ★ ★
Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!