ADK
Jay Groome, P
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Scouting report
People who read this site probably already know about Groome's amateur prowess and injury history (he's made just 20 affiliated pro starts due to a back injury and Tommy John surgery), so I'll fast forward a bit and point those who are unfamiliar to past lists if they need background. Groome came back from TJ late in August 2019 and got four innings of work before Instructional League, where he got another eight to 10 frames, working 93-95 two innings at a time. Both his 2020 alternate site stuff (a new slider, improving changeup, his trademark curveball) and conditioning were encouraging and he suddenly looked like a lock to be added to Boston's 40-man and potentially play a role on this year's big league roster. Mechanically, and perhaps this was due to his improved conditioning, Groome did a better job of getting over his front side at the alt site, which is crucial to his fastball control. Then he arrived for instructs again looking soft-bodied and weighing in at a listed 262 pounds. His velocity was down in the upper-80s and low-90s rather than in the low-to-mid 90s. Boston added him to the 40-man anyway, but it's clear a big part of Groome's future depends on his abolity to keep his body in check, which he hasn't done consistently. It's frustrating that even after several years of intense interest, there's a lot we don't know about Groome. He's still just 22 and hasn't yet had the opportunity to refine his slider against hitters from other organizations. You can assume some of what we don't know is hidden upside, but certainly most of what we do know is that this is a volatile prospect. His ceiling is higher than several players ahead of him on this list, but he's a less certain bet to have big league utility. (Alternate site, Fall Instructional League)