Jay Groome

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name=Jay Groome

|team= San Diego Padres

|number= 55

|position= Pitcher

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1998|8|23}}

|birth_place = Barnegat Township, New Jersey, U.S.

|bats=Left

|throws=Left

}}

Jason Joseph Groome (born August 23, 1998) is an American professional baseball pitcher in the San Diego Padres organization. He attended Barnegat High School in Barnegat Township, New Jersey, and was considered a top prospect in the 2016 MLB draft, where he was the 12th overall selection by the Boston Red Sox, who traded him to the Padres in 2022.

High school career

Groome began high school at Barnegat High School in Barnegat Township, New Jersey. He made the school's varsity baseball team as a freshman.{{cite web|url=http://thesandpaper.villagesoup.com/p/barnegat-pitcher-is-groome-d-for-success/1443982|title=Barnegat Pitcher Is Groome(d) for Success – Surf City, NJ – The SandPaper|access-date=December 12, 2015}} As a sophomore, had a 6–2 win–loss record and 0.57 earned run average (ERA) in {{frac|61|1|3}} innings pitched for the school's baseball team. He transferred to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, before his junior year, and committed to attend Vanderbilt University on a college baseball scholarship.{{cite web|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/barnegat-pitcher-groome-transferring-to-fla-prep-school-commits-to/article_a6f63d72-710b-11e4-91e7-3fe67836e101.html|title=Barnegat pitcher Groome transferring to Fla. prep school, commits to Vanderbilt|work=Press of Atlantic City|access-date=December 12, 2015}} Groome pitched to a 5–0 record and a 1.22 ERA with 81 strikeouts and nine walks in 43 innings as a junior.{{cite web|url=http://usatodayhss.com/2015/60-for-16-img-pitcher-jason-groome|title=60 for '16: IMG Academy (Fla.) pitcher Jason Groome – USA Today High School Sports – USA Today High School Sports|work=USA Today High School Sports|date=June 20, 2015 |access-date=December 12, 2015}}

Due to feeling homesick, Groome opted to return to Barnegat for his senior year.{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/2015-08-22/news/65710886_1_img-academy-school-baseball-vanderbilt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907032024/http://articles.philly.com/2015-08-22/news/65710886_1_img-academy-school-baseball-vanderbilt|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 7, 2015|title=Jersey Shore lefty Jason Groome, 16, already a huge talent|work=philly-archives|access-date=December 12, 2015}} However, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association ruled that Groome was ineligible to pitch for Barnegat in April 2016 because the transfer did not involve a change of address.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/15216712/jason-groome-possible-no-1-pick-mlb-draft-ruled-ineligible|title=Jason Groome, possible No. 1 pick in MLB draft, ruled ineligible|work=ESPN.com|date=April 16, 2016 |access-date=April 18, 2016}} He regained his eligibility after 30 days, or half of Barnegat's games.

Professional career

=Boston Red Sox=

Groome was a potential first overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft,{{cite web|url=http://nbcphiladelphia.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/local-6-5-left-handed-pitcher-jason-groome-barnegat-high-school-maplezone-possible-mlb-draft-1st-pick-phillies|title=Local 6–5 LHP Jason Groome a possible 1st pick for Phillies|work=Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia|access-date=December 12, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/phillies/index.ssf/2015/10/could_jersey_phenom_jason_groome_be_no_1_pick_in_m.html|title=Could Jersey phenom Jason Groome be No. 1 pick in MLB draft?|work=NJ.com|date=October 5, 2015 |access-date=December 12, 2015}} and worked out for the Philadelphia Phillies, who had the first pick.{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20160131_Ex-Phils_ace_speaks_highly_of_a_possible_future_one.html|title=Ex-Phils ace speaks highly of a possible future one|work=philly-archives|access-date=April 18, 2016}} Prior to the draft, Groome changed his college commitment from Vanderbilt to Chipola College, a junior college in Florida.{{cite web|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/mlb-prospect-jason-groome-changes-college-commitment/article_97ba57e8-2d12-11e6-804e-37866daaf99f.html|title=MLB prospect Jason Groome changes college commitment|date=June 8, 2016|first=Michael|last=McGarry|work=Press of Atlantic City|access-date=June 9, 2016}} He was selected 12th overall by the Boston Red Sox in the draft,{{cite web|url=http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/2307529386776452982/barnegats-jason-groome-taken-by-xxx-with-no-x-pick-in-mlb-draft/|title=Barnegat's Jason Groome taken by Red Sox with 12th pick in MLB Draft|date=June 9, 2016 }} falling in part due to a reported signing bonus demand of $4 million and because of his change in college commitment; teams had signability concerns.{{cite web|url=http://www.app.com/story/sports/columnists/stephen-edelson/2016/06/07/jason-groome-return-barnegat-mlb-draft/85545944/|title=Why is Jason Groome's stock falling as MLB Draft looms?|first=Stephen|last=Edelson|work=Asbury Park Press|date=June 7, 2016|access-date=July 15, 2016}}{{cite web |url=https://www.overthemonster.com/2016/6/9/11898652/2016-mlb-draft-results-red-sox-select-jason-groome-12th-overall |title=2016 MLB Draft results: Red Sox select Jason Groome 12th overall |first=Marc |last=Normandin |website=overthemonster.com |date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=June 5, 2019}} The Red Sox and Groome agreed to a $3.65 million signing bonus.{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2016/07/14/red-sox-draft-pick-jason-groome/496mjd2JD2Fdwm7VngkERO/story.html|title=Red Sox agree to terms with top draft pick Jason Groome|first=Alex |last=Speier|work=The Boston Globe|date=July 14, 2016|access-date=July 15, 2016}}

In 2016, Groome made two starts for the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox before being promoted to the Lowell Spinners of the Class A-Short Season New York-Penn League.{{cite web|last=Mastrodonato|first=Jason|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox/clubhouse_insider/2016/08/red_sox_first_round_pick_jason_groome_promoted_to_lowell |title=Red Sox first-round pick Jason Groome promoted to Lowell|work=Boston Herald|date=August 30, 2016|access-date=September 8, 2016}} He posted a combined 2.70 ERA in three games for the Red Sox and Spinners. He spent 2017 with both Lowell and the Greenville Drive of the Class A South Atlantic League, going 3–9 with a 5.69 ERA in 14 games between both teams.

At the start of the 2018 season, Groome did not play, with what was initially thought to be a flexor strain. On May 9, 2018, the Red Sox announced that Groome would undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/red-soxs-top-pitching-prospect-jason-groome-to-undergo-tommy-john-surgery/|title=Red Sox's top pitching prospect Jason Groome to undergo Tommy John surgery |website=CBSSports.com |first=Dayn |last=Perry |date=May 9, 2018}} In April 2019, Groome was projected to return mid-way through the 2019 season;{{cite web |url=http://soxprospects.com/players/groome-jay.htm |title=Jay Groome |website=soxprospects.com |access-date=October 31, 2020}} he made his first appearance on August 21, pitching an inning for the Gulf Coast League Red Sox.{{cite news |url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2019/08/jay-groome-boston-red-sox-top-pitching-prospect-makes-first-start-since-undergoing-tommy-john-surgery.html |title=Jay Groome, Boston Red Sox top pitching prospect, makes first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery |first=Chris |last=Cotillo |website=masslive.com |date=August 21, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019}} After another one-inning appearance in the Gulf Coast League, Groome made one appearance with Lowell; overall for the season he pitched four innings, allowing five hits and one run (2.25 ERA). After the 2020 minor league season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Groome was invited to participate in the Red Sox' fall instructional league.{{cite news |url=http://news.soxprospects.com/2020/10/red-sox-2020-fall-instructional-camp.html |title=Red Sox 2020 Fall Instructional Camp roster and details |first=Chris |last=Hatfield |website=SoxProspects.com |date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=October 15, 2020}} Following the 2020 season, Groome was ranked by Baseball America as the Red Sox' number six prospect.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/11/12/sports/red-sox-top-prospects-ranking/ |title=Ranking the top prospects in the Red Sox' farm system |first=Alex |last=Speier |website=The Boston Globe |url-access=limited |date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=November 12, 2020}}

On November 20, 2020, Groome was added to the 40-man roster.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/11/red-sox-dfa-ryan-weber-matt-hall-kyle-hart.html |title=Red Sox Add 7 Players To 40-Man Roster; Weber, Hall Designated For Assignment |first=Steve |last=Adams |website=mlbtraderumors.com |date=November 20, 2020 |access-date=November 20, 2020}} In May 2021, he was assigned to Greenville, now a High-A team.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/player/jay-groome-666130 |title=Jay Groome Stats, Fantasy & News |website=MiLB.com |access-date=August 15, 2021}} In early September, he was promoted to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/red-soxs-jay-groome-shines-in-double-a-debut/ |title=Red Sox's Jay Groome: Shines in Double-A debut |website=CBS Sports |date=September 5, 2021 |accessdate=September 12, 2021}} Overall for the 2021 season, Groome made 21 starts and compiled a 5–8 record with a 4.81 ERA.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=groome000jas |title=Jay Groome Minor Leagues Statistics & History |website=Baseball-Reference.com |accessdate=April 10, 2022}}

Groome returned to Portland to start the 2022 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/where-red-sox-prospects-are-starting-2022-season |title=Here's where Red Sox Top 30 prospects are starting '22 |first=Jim |last=Callis |website=MLB.com |date=April 6, 2022 |accessdate=April 10, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Hewitt |first=Steve |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2022/07/03/jay-groome-on-a-mission-as-red-sox-prospect-continues-to-dream-for-big-league-opportunity/ |title=Jay Groome 'on a mission' as Red Sox prospect continues to dream for big-league opportunity |publisher=Bostonherald.com |date=July 3, 2022 |accessdate=August 3, 2022}} The Red Sox promoted him to the Worcester Red Sox of the Triple-A International League on July 14.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2022/07/boston-red-sox-promote-former-first-round-pick-jay-groome-to-triple-a-worcester.html |title=Boston Red Sox promote former first-round pick Jay Groome to Triple-A Worcester |publisher=masslive.com |date=July 14, 2022 |accessdate=August 3, 2022}}

=San Diego Padres=

On August 2, 2022, the Red Sox traded Groome to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Eric Hosmer, Max Ferguson, Corey Rosier, and cash considerations.{{cite web |title=Eric Hosmer heading to Red Sox after first baseman invokes no-trade clause in Padres-Nationals' Soto deal |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/eric-hosmer-heading-to-red-sox-after-first-baseman-invokes-no-trade-clause-in-padres-nationals-soto-deal/ |access-date=August 3, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}{{cite news |url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2022/08/boston-red-sox-trade-for-eric-hosmer-from-padres-former-all-star-owed-39-million-through-2025-reports.html |title=Boston Red Sox trade for Eric Hosmer from Padres in 4-player deal |first=Chris |last=Cotillo |website=masslive.com |date=August 2, 2022 |accessdate=August 2, 2022}} The Padres assigned Groome to the El Paso Chihuahuas of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League.{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/padres/story/2022-08-26/padres-minor-league-report-jay-groome|title=Minors: After trade, Jay Groome settling into El Paso's rotation|work=San Diego Union-Tribune|first=Jeff |last=Sanders|date=August 26, 2022|accessdate=March 26, 2023}} He made 10 starts for El Paso after the trade, posting a 3–2 record and 3.16 with 44 strikeouts in {{frac|51|1|3}} innings pitched.

Groome was optioned to Triple-A El Paso to begin the 2023 season, and was one of San Diego's final roster cuts after pitching to a 1.29 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 5 spring appearances.{{Cite web|title=Padres' Jay Groome: Optioned to El Paso|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/padres-jay-groome-optioned-to-el-paso/amp/|access-date=March 28, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He spent the year with Triple–A El Paso, struggling to a 4–10 record and 8.55 ERA with 137 strikeouts across 30 starts.

Groome was again optioned to El Paso to begin the 2024 season.{{Cite web|title=Padres' Jay Groome: Sent down to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/padres-jay-groome-sent-down-to-triple-a/amp/|access-date=March 3, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} In 3 starts, he compiled a 3.60 ERA with 5 strikeouts across 5 innings pitched. On June 4, 2024, MLB suspended Groome for one year for violating their gambling policy.{{cite news |title=MLB bans Tucupita Marcano for life for betting on baseball, four others get one-year suspensions |url=https://apnews.com/article/mlb-gambling-marcano-ban-948cce07c953494e7c7621e47692e1ba |access-date=4 June 2024 |work=AP News |date=4 June 2024 |language=en}}

Pitching style

At the time of the MLB draft, Groome threw a four-seam fastball between {{convert|92|-|96|mph}}, a changeup, and a curveball.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/keith-law/insider/post?id=4273|title=Draft prospects Groome, Rutherford look good at Perfect Game showcase|work=ESPN.com|date=August 17, 2015 |access-date=December 12, 2015}} After recovering from Tommy John surgery, his fastball velocity declined to {{convert|90|-|94|mph}}, but he also developed a cut fastball and a two-seam fastball.

Personal life

Groome has two older sisters and two younger brothers.{{cite web|url=http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-6957084907966218395/advisor-to-no-1-mlb-prospect-jason-groome-rips-njsiaa/|title=Advisor to No. 1 MLB prospect Jason Groome rips NJSIAA|first=Matthew|last=Stanmyre|publisher=NJ Advance Media|work=NJ.com|date=April 16, 2016|access-date=May 5, 2016}} {{asof|2020|11}}, Jay Groome was living in Fort Myers, Florida.{{cite news |url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2020/11/jay-groomes-road-to-boston-red-sox-40-man-roster-took-several-detours-ive-changed-a-lot-from-the-kid-i-used-to-be.html |title=Jay Groome's road to Boston Red Sox 40-man roster took several detours; 'I've changed a lot from the kid I used to be' |first=Christopher |last=Smith |website=MassLive.com |date=November 21, 2020 |access-date=November 23, 2020}} In December 2020, Groome married Amanda Muller, also of Barnegat, New Jersey; the two were expecting their first child in July 2021.{{cite web|title=Instagram: jaygroome |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CIrN6ajDiEe/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CIrN6ajDiEe |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |url-access=limited|quote=To my wife, thank you for everything you do to make me the person I am! |access-date=December 12, 2020|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}