Jordan Groshans has had the luxury of growing up with his older brother, Jaxx.
Nearly a two-year age gap between the two, Groshans has leaned on Jaxx throughout his baseball career for advice and guidance.
In less than a year, Groshans could join his brother, who’s a sophomore catcher on the University of Kansas baseball team.
“It was a big part of the decision with my brother being their because family means a lot to me,” sad Groshans on his commitment to Kansas. “Besides God, it’s the biggest thing in my life. Him being there was a big thing for me. We are competitors so having him on the team will allow us to push each other for the next level and make for a great college experience.”
But there’s a possibility Groshans may never play with his brother at Kansas. Baseball America ranks Groshans, who’s a senior infielder at Magnolia High (Tex.), as the 32nd-best prep prospect in the 2018 MLB Draft class.
However, Groshans is trying his best to not get caught up in his future. Instead, he’s trying to take it day-by-day, he said.
“I’m just keeping my mind on the season and not thinking about the draft or college,” Groshans said. “Just trying to play hard every pitch and every inning. If that happens, it’s a blessing and it will happen. I’m just trying to keep my mind right and not think about it because I know if I do, I will press and not play well.”
At 6-foot-4, 190-pounds, Groshans is a shortstop for his high school team, but some scouts believe he’s destined for a move to third base due to his size. On the showcase circuit last summer, Groshans rotated between the hot corner, shortstop and second base.
“I believe I can stay at shortstop at the next level and compete,” he said. “During the offseason, I worked hard on my range, arm strength, glove work and defense.
“A lot of the issues people were telling me with range and arm strength, I have polished those up pretty well. I believe I can stick at shortstop at the next level, whether it’s college or professional.”
Groshans’ best trait is his hitting ability. A right-handed hitter, Groshans has a smooth swing and hits the ball out front, which allows him to hit the ball hard to his pull side. Groshans has a feel for hitting and has the potential to hit for power and average in the future.
“I love to hit baseballs a long way,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite things to do. I love to go up to the plate looking for a fastball and stuff to drive.”
Following last year’s showcase circuit, Groshans spent time in the weight room, getting stronger and faster to prepare for his senior season of high school baseball, which begins March 23.
His biggest personal goal is to improve his base running ability this season, he said.
“A big thing for me this year is stealing a lot of bases,” Groshans said. “I have my speed down to 6.5-6.6, right where I want it to be. The big thing now is to get on base, whether it’s taking a walk or hitting a double, and showing that I can get into scoring position for my team.”
Read another MLB Draft profile on fellow Magnolia High star Adam Kloffenstein here.
Find more 2018 MLB Draft profiles here.
[…] watched his younger brother Jordan, a shortstop in the Blue Jays system become a first-round pick in the 2018 draft. Zeferjahn also […]