The Boston Red Sox are one of Major League Baseball's oldest franchises, and their being around for over a century means they've seen plenty of prospects enter the organization. While some of those names went on to become some of the biggest figures in franchise history, others left the Red Sox before they could even make a big-league appearance.
When it comes to forgotten Red Sox prospects, one formerly disgraced Boston hurler just took his first step toward making his MLB debut over the weekend.
Former Red Sox LHP Jay Groome Reinstated from Gambling Suspension, Becomes Free Agent
On Sunday, MassLive's Lauren Campbell reported that former Red Sox pitching prospect Jay Groome is officially a free agent after serving a "one-year long suspension for violating MLB’s gambling policy." He hits the open market after the San Diego Padres decided not to tender him after he was cleared to play.
The 26-year-old southpaw reportedly bet over $450 on 30 MLB games, which includes wagering on the Red Sox in 2020 and 2021 despite being in the Red Sox's system. Considering how he allegedly only won two wagers and just missed a year of his playing career, it's safe to say Groome's decision to wager on baseball games wasn't worth the gamble.
A former 2016 first-round pick, Groome spent nearly a decade navigating the Red Sox organization. He ascended the ranks and eventually reached Triple-A Worcester in 2022, going 1-1 with a 3.94 ERA in three starts before being shipped to the Padres in a four-player deal ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
It'll be interesting to see if any pitcher-needy teams are willing to roll the dice on the former Red Sox first-round prospect. Groome looked decent pitching for Triple-A El Paso before being hit with his suspension, tallying a 3.60 ERA with five strikeouts in as many innings across three starts.
With his 27th birthday coming up in August, Groome still has plenty of time to carve out an MLB career for himself. The ex-Red Sox lefty just needs the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent and prove that he learned from his embarrassing mistake, leaving time to tell if and when he'll get that chance.