As the 2020 Minor League baseball season was put on hold due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Red Sox prospect Jaxx Groshans has been improving his game in a year full of uncertainty.
Groshans joined the Red Sox after being selected by Boston in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB draft. Since being drafted by Boston, the Louisiana native has appeared in 44 Minor League games and driven in 23 runs. Although the transition to pro ball can be difficult, Groshans has been able to rely on his brother Jordan, who is currently in the Blue Jays system.
“It’s been good. It’s weird because he’s my little brother but is kind of my role model,” said Groshans. “He has really helped me acclimate to pro ball. He’s been making a name for himself, and he will make some splashes this year. ”
Although Groshans has only played one Minor League season, he was able to participate in the Constellation Energy League last summer. The league is compromised of current and former minor leaguers, and current and former major leaguers such as Scott Kazmir.
” Scott was actually on my team, so I got to catch him,” said Groshans. “That was awesome for me because I got to work with a guy who had been in the league for twelve years. It was different than catching someone in rookie ball. He can put his stuff wherever he wants it and read hitters as soon as they step in the box. I learned a lot from him”
Staying Baseball Ready During The Pandemic
Like many Minor leaguers, Groshans’s use of team facilities was limited in 2020. However, the University of Kansas product has been able to train with his brother over the last couple of months.
“I am very fortunate. I have a training site at my house,” said Groshans. “My brother and I were able to pull our money together, and we have a 2,000-square-foot building in our backyard. It has weights, a batting cage, and we can do bullpens in there as well. It has everything we could ever need.”
Although Groshans found a way to train, he also attended the Fall instructional league in 2020. It was different from in years past but still beneficial for the Red Sox prospect.
“In 2019, we didn’t play many games. We maybe played two or three against live arms,” said Groshans. “To be honest, it kind of sucked because it was hard to improve my craft using mostly machines. In 2020 I was there for six weeks, and we were playing every single day for the last three weeks.”
Groshan’s Focus In 2021
After an offseason full of training Groshans will be looking to improve his blocking this upcoming season.
“Blocking is the hardest thing for any catcher to do,” said Groshans. I don’t think a lot of people look forward to blocking a 94 MPH fastball in the dirt. It’s what they signed me to do and I’m just going to keep working on that each day.”
Regardless of when the 2021 season begins, the 22-year-old will be ready to handle whatever challenges it brings.
“This year, I’m just going to try to perfect my craft regardless of where I am,” said Groshans. “I’ve been playing guitar and a lot of Call Of Duty the last couple of months, but I’m excited for the season to start and to get back on the field.”
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Main Credit Image: https://www.kansan.com/sports/groshans-continues-to-dominate-at-the-plate-in-ku-baseball-victory/article_de63f766-36fc-11e9-99f8-63930e632109.html
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