Red Sox not close to signing first-round pick Jason Groome, source says

The Red Sox are not close to a deal with first-round draft pick Jason Groome, according to a baseball source. There is said to be a “large gap” between the sides in negotiations, with Groome seeking top-4 money (at least $4.8 million, according to the slot system).

Groome, who was projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick before falling to Boston at No. 12, has always said to have a large price tag, with some suggesting $4 million would get the job done. Boston’s first five completed draft signings have all been under slot, suggesting the team may be willing to spend big on Groome.

Boston has $6,997,400 to spend on draft picks, and has already committed $1.71 million to five picks on below-slot deals. The team still must sign Groome, 3rd-rounder Shaun Anderson, 4th-rounder Bobby Dalbec, 5th-rounder Mike Shawaryn (who will likely be over-slot, as well), and 10th-rounder Santiago Espinal.

Groome’s signability has been in question since before the draft, especially after the news that he had switched his college commitment from Vanderbilt to Chipola College, a junior college in Florida that would allow him to re-enter the draft next season. Groome could decide against signing with the Red Sox this season in favor of pitching at Chipola in hopes of being picked higher next season.