Drew Rom Signs with Baltimore Orioles, Gets $650,000 Signing Bonus

Drew Rom, now a former Highlands baseball pitcher and Mr. Kentucky Baseball, has signed a rookie contract worth $650,000 to sign with the Baltimore Orioles.

Rom, who had committed to play for the University of Michigan, was picked in the fourth round of the amateur draft at number 115 overall.

According to MLB.com, the 115 overall pick was slotted to earn a $483,300 signing bonus. In order to ensure that he would sign to play for them instead of going to college, the Orioles reportedly offered him a signing bonus of $650,000 as well as some money allotted for college when his professional baseball career comes to a close.

He has reported to Sarasota to begin his professional career with the Gulf Coast League Orioles.

"The best way I can explain Drew is with this simple quote, 'hard work pays off'," said Jeremy Baioni, Highlands Head Baseball Coach.  "He's such an impressive kid who has left a lasting impression on so many from Fort Thomas. We had our youth camp this week and the number one question from the kids was, 'will Drew Rom be here?'  He has an entire community, and region, pulling for him."

In 66.67 inning pitched during the regular season this year, Rom was 8-6 with a 2.42 ERA. He has 119 strikeouts and only 20 walks. Opponents hit just .190 against him.


In the post season he continued his dominance, starting two games and winning them both to help his team reach the state finals.