Denny Roman

DENNY ROMAN, LEFT HANDED PITCHER
Born: September 30, 1998
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 180
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2018, Pittsburgh Pirates
How Acquired: International Free Agent
Country: Mexico
Agent: N/A

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE

The Pirates signed Roman out of Mexico after the start of the 2018 season.  He’s a small lefty, at 5’9″, but can get his fastball up to 94 mph.

2018
DSL:  0-1-3, 2.28 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 23.2 IP, 1.1 BB/9, 16.7 K/9
R+:  1-0-0, 6.75 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 14.2 IP, 3.7 BB/9, 10.4 K/9

Roman initially encountered a delay in securing a visa, which seems to be the rule for Mexican players now.  The Pirates sent him to the DSL until the visa issue was cleared up, which happened in mid-August.  At that point, he went to Bristol, where he started four games but didn’t throw a lot of innings.  While in the DSL he obviously dominated, which shouldn’t be surprising as he had significant experience in Mexico prior to that.  He had more trouble at Bristol, but continued to miss a lot of bats.

2019
A-:  2-2-0, 4.19 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 48.2 IP, 1.9 BB/9, 9.1 K/9

Roman pitched in long relief for West Virginia; he seemed to be the go-to guy when the starter got lifted early.  His peripherals were a lot better than his ERA, including good walk and K rates; his xFIP was an excellent 2.88.  He didn’t have a meaningful platoon split.

Roman appears to have some ability, but may not fit comfortably into any particular role.  He should get a shot at Greensboro in 2020.

CONTRACT INFORMATION
2020: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2018
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2024
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2021
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
April 12, 2018: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.