Jay Groome

BIOGRAPHY

Jay Groome was born August 23, 1998, in Barnegat Township, New Jersey. He is a pitcher in the MLB.

Groome throws a fastball between 92–96 miles per hour (148–154 km/h), a changeup, and a curveball. He was a potential first overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, and worked out for the Philadelphia Phillies, who had the first pick. Prior to the draft, Groome changed his college commitment from Vanderbilt to Chipola College, a junior college in Florida. He was selected 12th overall by the Boston Red Sox in the draft, 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. The Red Sox and Groome agreed to a $3.65 million signing bonus.

After the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Groome was invited to participate in the Red Sox' fall instructional league. Following the 2020 season, Groome was ranked by Baseball America as the Red Sox' number six prospect.

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. The Padres assigned Groome to the El Paso Chihuahuas of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. He made 10 starts for El Paso after the trade, posting a 3–2 record and 3.16 with 44 strikeouts in 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.