NEW YORK — The Boston Red Sox agreed to a $3.65 million signing bonus with 17-year-old left-hander Jason Groome, the 12th overall pick in this year's amateur draft.
Groome, who has a fastball in the low-to-mid-90 mph range, attended Barnega High School in New Jersey and was considered a possible No. 1 overall pick. He spent his junior season at IMG Academy in Florida, then transferred home and was suspended by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association for not reporting the transfer, forcing him to sit out three weeks.
He pitched a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts in a seven-inning game against Central on April 11.
Groome's deal, announced Friday, is for $457,200 over slot value. He met Thursday with Red Sox manager John Farrell at Fenway Park and will report to the rookie-level Gulf Coast League.
"He adds a lot of promise, even at the lower levels right now," Farrell said. "The basic advice was, he's about to set off on a journey, and if he treats it with respect, it will treat him with the same in return."
