Vanderbilt right handed pitcher Kumar Rocker. (Syndication: The Tennessean)
Texas Rangers first-round draft selection Kumar Rocker reportedly passed the physical and officially signed with the Rangers on Tuesday.
The Texas Rangers took a chance on 2021 top MLB prospect Kumar Rocker this season, and their choice seems to be going well so far. He officially signed with the Rangers on Tuesday after passing the physical.
The New York Mets drafted him last season and then backed out over health concerns about his right arm.
Rocker reportedly had surgery shortly after the concerns arose, and according to Rocker’s agent Scott Boras, the procedure “was not considered major and didn’t involve Rocker’s rotator cuff or labrum.”
The Mets may have given up on the young prospect way too soon.
Mets may have given up on Kumar Rocker way too soon
Rocker was one of the biggest names in collegiate baseball. He helped the Vanderbilt University team win the 2019 College World Series title.
According to MLB.com, “As a freshman in 2019, he threw a 19-strikeout no-hitter against Duke in the NCAA Super Regionals and earned two victories and Most Outstanding Player honors at the College World Series.”
He’s also no stranger to professional sports. His father was an NFL defensive lineman for the Washington Commanders and is now the defensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. His athletic background is very evident in the success he’s had in his early career.
Rocker could also help the Rangers significantly if he continues to play the way he has. Among all MLB teams, the Rangers currently have the 11th-worst earned-run average (4.08), eighth-worst WHIP (1.32) and rank 16th for on-base average (.244).
He may quickly become one of the stronger assets to the Rangers.