Former Top Red Sox Pick Suspended for Betting on Boston's Games

Jay Groome, the former 12th overall pick of the Boston Red Sox in 2016, has never been able to climb his way to the big leagues. Turns out, he is not much better at gambling either.

Groome was one of five players were suspended by MLB on Tuesday as a result of a gambling investigation. The most notable suspension was that of Tucupita Marcano of the San Diego Padres, who received a lifetime ban. The four remaining players, including Groome, received one-year suspensions.

Per the investigation, Groome placed 32 bets between July 22, 2020 and July 24, 2021. Of those, 24 involved the Boston Red Sox, while Groome was played for the Greenville Drive, Boston's Single-A affiliate. The most damning part of MLB's report? He only took home $20.20 after wagering a total of $453.74.

Groome was traded to the Padres in Aug. 2021 in exchange for a package that included veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer. The 25-year-old had been pitching for San Diego's Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas, for the past two seasons. For his career, Groome is 8-13 with a 6.74 ERA at the Triple-A level.

Groome has never appeared in an MLB game. If that dream is to ever come true, it will be put on hiatus for the next year while he serves his suspension.

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