Jay Groome is a prospect to keep an eye on

After a strong ending to the 2021 campaign, Jay Groome has carried that success into 2022

Photo credit Kelly O’Conner

Over the last few years, Jay Groome has become a well-known name to Red Sox fans. The New Jersey native was drafted in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft. While injuries have derailed Groome’s career, he has made steady progress over the last two seasons. After finishing the 2021 campaign strong, that success has carried into 2022.

In 18 appearances this season, Groome has posted a 3.49 ERA and struck out 91 batters. The twenty-three-year-old is holding opponents to a .211 batting average and thriving against advanced competition. As the innings add up, Groome is getting better.

Entering 2022, Groome had never pitched more than 97.2 innings in a season during his professional career. His workload this season currently sits at 87.2 innings, and he has not posted an ERA above 3.50 since May. While he has allowed a career-high 12 home runs this season, he has been able to work out of trouble.

Tyler Milliken ⚾️ @tylermilliken_

Jay Groome put together one of the best start of his pro career last night, striking out 10 over 5.2 IP with just 1 ER and 0 walks. He now has a 2.93 ERA over 30.2 IP at the AA level. #RedSox | #DirtyWater| #MLB

Since the beginning of June, Groome has only allowed more than three runs in an outing twice. In that span, he is averaging five innings a start. His best start of the season came in that stretch when the lefthander didn’t allow a run in seven innings of work on June 15th. Due to his ability to handle the increased pressure, Groome was recently promoted to Triple-A, where he has a 3.27 ERA.

While the regular season is far from over, Groome’s MLB debut could come later this summer. With the trade deadline less than a week away, the Red Sox could be sellers and shift their focus to 2023. Some players who could be on the trading block are J.D. Martinez, Christian Vazquez, and Nathan Eovaldi. In that scenario, Groome is the type of prospect Boston would want to get an extended look at as they prepare for the future.

Regardless of what moves the Red Sox make, if Groome can continue his recent success, it will be hard for the Red Sox not to give the former 12th overall pick an opportunity.

Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17

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