Two Groton Graduates Begin Pro Baseball Careers

This past July, two of Groton’s own graduates and former members of the varsity baseball team learned they will be taking their talents to the MLB. AJ Colarusso ’22 and Dylan Vigue ’23 will both begin their professional careers following the 2026 MLB Draft this past July.

Vigue, hailing from Leominster, was selected in the seventh round of the draft at pick no. 209 by the Kansas City Royals. Later, his counterpart, also of Leominster, signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. Both completed stellar careers at Groton as pitchers, with Vigue throwing 71 strikeouts in 38.1 innings with a 1.46 ERA, while Colarusso totaled 80 strikeouts in 38 innings with a 1.67 ERA. In Colarusso’s Sixth Form season, the team finished with a 8–10 win/loss record, whereas a year later, Vigue led the team to seven wins against eleven losses.

Speaking in regards to the moment, Vigue told the Circle Voice, “Hearing my name called on TV was not only a testament to my hard work and dedication, but more importantly to the sacrifice and support of my parents from a young age.”

Following their respective graduations, both players began highly successful collegiate careers. Vigue started his post-Groton baseball path at the University of Michigan, where he stayed for two seasons. Following his sophomore year, the righty transferred to the University of Georgia and joined their squad right in time for one of its most successful seasons in program history. His team finished first in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), won the SEC Tournament, and ended the year ranked third nationally. Vigue was one of 13 men from his team drafted in the MLB. During his sole year at Georgia, the 22-year-old started in 16 games and made 18 appearances, including an outstanding 11–0 shutout against Queens in March when he threw a career-high 11 strikeouts. Currently, Vigue is pitching for the ACL Royals, the team’s rookie-level affiliate stationed in Surprise, AZ. As it’s just the start of his professional career, he’ll have time to work his way through the system as a prospect to watch.

Colarusso, a lefty, stayed close to home at Boston College. The now 22-year-old began his tenure at BC contributing to 10 games as a freshman and eventually worked up to 16 as a senior. His team maintained a positive 37–23 record this past season, while Colarusso put on his best showing yet with 77 strikeouts and 83 innings pitched. While he was not traditionally drafted and won’t immediately join the Met’s 40-man lineup, he’ll start on the rookie tier as an FCL Met, an affiliate team that plays its home games in Port Saint Lucie, FL. As it’s just the start of his professional career, he’ll have time to work his way through the system as a prospect to watch. Like Vigue, he’ll have time to show his skills and progress through the levels of minor league baseball. Vigue also spoke about his future goals. “In the short term I want to prove myself in the minor leagues and earn my opportunity to live out my dream of playing in the MLB. Long term, I am striving to be one of the best pitchers in the MLB while having a successful and healthy career.”

This achievement is not only a success for the players and families themselves, but also for our school community. Vigue was vocal about how attending Groton has set him up for success.

“I feel a great sense of honor knowing I am one of the first, if not the first, Groton alum to be drafted by a professional sports team. Representing such a prestigious institution on a professional stage means a lot to me and speaks to the level of professionals Groton produces.”