Red Sox starting pitching prospect Jay Groome
You’ve got to love an elite left-handed starting pitcher. Jon Lester, Chris Sale, Felix Doubront (right, am I right people?). As I just said in the last slide, Boston might need some starting pitching help in 2022. So why not consider one of their best pitching prospects in left-hander Jay Groome?
Groome has had an upsetting number of injuries to start his career. It’s really hindered the beginning of his professional career. 2021 was a resurgence though, and it really put him back on the map.
The 23-year-old started the year off poorly, with some implosion outings right out of the gate. As the year went on though, he became more and more untouchable. Groome ended up posting a 4.81 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and .239 BAA in 21 starts between High-A and Double-A. In 97 1/3 innings he struck out an incredible 134 batters, showing just how nasty his pitches are.
Most importantly, he dominated in Double-A to end the year. In three starts for Portland, Groome recorded a 2.30 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and .211 BAA. He also struck out 26 batters in 15 2/3 innings.
This is a tough one. As the year went on Groome only got better and managed to make his way to Double-A. However, it was only for a short amount of time. So obviously he’ll be starting the 2022 season in Portland. And the Red Sox will likely want to give him a decent amount of time there.
That’s where it gets tricky though. Due to injuries, Groome doesn’t have all that much experience (163 1/3 career innings). As a starter, that’s not exactly great. So they might not want to rush anything still. If Groome absolutely dominates, yes he’ll get the call-up. But that’s the only way it’s happening. Boston has enough depth and other prospects that can go to the Majors if they just need someone to get a spot-start or something.
This year feels like it will be for letting Groome get more footing and getting a chance to pitch in Triple-A by the end of the year. Barring utter dominance (which isn’t out of the question to be fair), I don’t see him making his way to Boston in 2022 though. Due to that, the temperate meter is sadly going to be “cold”. Not impossible, but it feels pretty far off – even with him being on the 40-man roster.