Jason Groome – Sox Star of the future

Jason Groome – joining the Sox dynasty of the future

 

When Jason Groome was being talked about a couple years ago as a high school standout, he was praised for having a great fastball and absolutely stupid curveball. By stupid I mean filthy. Groome was projected to go as a top 3 pick in the 2016 MLB Draft and at one point to go 1^st overall but fell to the Sox at 12 because of eligibility and alleged character issues. Switching college commitments from Vanderbilt to Chipola College didn’t help his case. After attempting to transfer to the IMG Academy in Florida, Groome missed being at home and wanted to move back. A kid missing home? That’s understandable.

 

Believe me when I say this, I’m not complaining. He’s currently working on his changeup and has also thrown a knuckleball which gets any Sox fan warm and fuzzy. Everyone remembers Tim Wakefield’s expertise and professionalism. Lefty with a knuckleball? Assuming he follows Wake’s path he could become just the second left hander to get 100+ wins (joining Wilbur Wood also a former Sox) if his career works out that way. Given what we’ve seen however, Groome isn’t going to be the next Tim Wakefield but adding the knuckle couldn’t hurt.

 

Groome has only started two minor league games since being promoted to the Lowell Spinners. There’s room for improvement but from what we’ve seen in the Gulf Coast League, I’m happy. Remember he’s 18 years old. In two starts, Groome has pitched 4 innings allowing one run on three hits, walking none and striking out 8. Not bad if you ask me. Groome isn’t going to be ready in the next 2-3 years but I’d say he’d be good pending no setbacks for a 2020 or 2021 start date.

 

By that time Groome could be ready to be the face of the Red Sox pitching staff joining David Price. Let’s not forget that Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi will also be up there as well. In time this shapes to be a very a happy future. Sox fans, you may now wait (hopefully not long) for the Groome.

 

Photo Credit: Bill Parmeter / Boston Red Sox