Boston Red Sox prospect Mikey Romero already set the table for 2023

With the 24th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, the Boston Red Sox selected shortstop Mikey Romero. This pick got two reactions from fans. Some slight confusion seeing as shortstop wasn't a position of need, but also plenty of excitement.

Romero is a left-handed hitter with plus potential in all five tools. And big things are expected of him in 2023. The good news is that Romero set the table for those big things back in 2022.

Boston's first-round pick appeared in nine games for the Low-A Salem Red Sox last season. He went 15-for-43 (.349) with four doubles and three triples. Romero drove in 11 runs, scored six more, and stole one base. In other words, he was a demon on offense.

Defensively, Romero appeared in three games (26 innings) at shortstop and four games (35 innings) at second base. He didn't get all that many opportunities, but it was great for him to get reps at both positions.

Mikey Romero will start the 2023 season with the Salem Red Sox

A nine-game sample is not enough time to consider anything higher. But it's the perfect way to get him accustomed to the league.

Romero will be entering 2023 with high expectations surrounding him. He won't be going in without any experience, though. Nine games may not seem like a lot, but any head start is positive.

The Boston Red Sox should have tons of excitement in their minor league system this season. Mikey Romero factors into that heavily. Putting up big numbers in his first season won't come as a shock to many.

However, it's important to remember that he will be 19 for the entire season. He's also learning a relatively new position. So a few hiccups along the way shouldn't be unexpected.

That short stint in 2022 was the perfect table setter. It should limit those hiccups to a minimum.