In 2018, Roa's freshman season, he pitched in 14 games (with one start), pitching to a 4.30 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 14+2⁄3 innings.[4] That summer, he played in the Northwoods League for the La Crosse Loggers.[5] As a sophomore in 2019, he appeared in 17 games (making ten starts), going 3–2 with a 3.56 ERA and 46 strikeouts over 48 innings.[6][7] On March 19, 2019, he was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week after throwing seven scoreless innings against the second ranked Vanderbilt Commodores.[8] In 2020, Roa returned to the Aggies starting rotation. He started four games, pitching to a 2–1 record and a 5.85 ERA over twenty innings before the season was ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[9]
Professional career
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds selected Roa in the second round with the 48th overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft.[10][11][12] He signed with the Reds for $1.5 million.[13][14] He did not play a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the pandemic.[15] To begin the 2021 season, he was assigned to the Daytona Tortugas of the Low-A Southeast.[16] He was placed on the injured list in May with a right elbow flexor mass strain, and did not return to play until mid-July.[17] In early August, he was promoted to the Dayton Dragons of the High-A Central.[18] Over 15 games (13 starts) between the two clubs, Roa went 4–3 with a 3.53 ERA and 67 strikeouts over 58+2⁄3 innings.[19] He opened the 2022 season on the injured list, but was activated in early May and assigned to Dayton.[20] In late August, he was promoted to the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Double-ASouthern League.[21] Over twenty starts between both teams, Roa went 6–3 with a 3.56 ERA and 102 strikeouts over ninety innings.[22] He was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League for the Glendale Desert Dogs after the season.[23]
On November 14, 2022, the Reds added Roa to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[24] Roa opened the 2023 season with Chattanooga and was promoted to the Louisville Bats of the Triple-AInternational League during the season. Over 28 games (25 starts) between the two affiliates, he went 5–9 with a 5.16 ERA and 170 strikeouts over 120+1⁄3 innings.[25] Roa was optioned to Louisville to begin the 2024 season.[26] In 23 games for Louisville, he compiled a 4–5 record and 5.55 ERA with 47 strikeouts over 48+2⁄3 innings pitched. On August 19, 2024, Roa was placed on the 60-day injured list with a right shoulder sprain.[27]
Miami Marlins
On November 1, 2024, Roa was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.[28] He was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on November 15.[29] On June 27, 2025, Roa, Matt Pushard, Anderson Pilar, and George Soriano threw a combined no-hitter against the Nashville Sounds.[30] In 47 relief appearances for Jacksonville, Roa compiled a 9–2 record and 2.83 ERA with 61 strikeouts and two saves across 57+1⁄3 innings pitched. On September 6, Roa was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[31] He debuted the same day against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching two innings, recording one walk and three strikeouts. Roa was optioned back to Triple-A Jacksonville on September 8.[32] On November 6, Roa was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Jacksonville.[33] He elected free agency the following day.[34]
Houston Astros
On December 20, 2025, Roa signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros.[35] On March 25, 2026, the Astros selected Roa's contract after he made the team's Opening Day roster.[36] He made seven appearances for Houston, posting an 0-1 record and 5.19 ERA with six strikeouts across 8+2⁄3 innings pitched. On April 21, Roa was designated for assignment by the Astros.[37]
Minnesota Twins
On April 23, 2026, Roa was claimed off of waivers by the Minnesota Twins.[38] He made three appearances for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, struggling to a 7.71 ERA with three strikeouts across 2+1⁄3 innings pitched. On May 6, Roa was designated for assignment by the Twins.[39]
Baltimore Orioles
On May 10, 2026, Roa was claimed off of waivers by the Baltimore Orioles, who subsequently optioned him to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.[40]
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