MLB Player Comparison: David Price
The 2016 first round pick out of Barnegat, New Jersey was believed to be the top talent in this years draft and many believed Jason Groome to be at least a top three pick. However, Groome fell into the Red Sox lap at No. 12 and they couldn’t pass up on the lefty.
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Groome, who sees his fastball reach mid to upper 90’s, has all the tools to be a dominant starter for a long time in the Major Leagues. Groome has a good three pitch mix with a heavy fastball that has arm side run.
Groome got a taste of pro ball last year as he threw just 6 2/3 innings between the GCL Red Sox and the Lowell Spinners. He fanned 10 in those 6 2/3 innings of work and gave up just three hits. He has the best arm and stuff of any arm in the 2016 pitching draft class. Groome drew comparisons as the best high school pitching prospect since Clayton Kershaw prior to being selected by the Red Sox in last June’s draft.
Groome has the presence and poise to be the next star pitcher in the Major Leagues, however, at just 18 years old, the lefty has a long way to go.