New York Mets Fail To Sign Vanderbilt’s Kumar Rocker

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Kumar Rocker. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

After selecting Kumar Rocker with the No. 10 overall pick, the New York Mets have decided not to sign the star Vanderbilt pitcher to a major league contract.

Rocker was projected to be a top five pick in the 2021 MLB Draft after leading the Commodores to the 2019 and 2021 College World Series, winning the championship in 2019. After falling in the draft and landing at No. 10 for the Mets, many people thought it was a steal of a pick for a player that was so highly regarded. According to MLB.com Mets beat reporter Anthony DiComo, the Mets were concerned with an elbow issue which was discovered when Rocker traveled to New York in mid-July for his physical.

“This is clearly not the outcome we had hoped for and wish Kumar nothing but success moving forward,” said Mets General Manager Zack Scott in a statement. “We’re excited about the players we have signed and look forward to watching them develop and contribute to the organization in the years to come.”

Rocker will not be returning to Vanderbilt, according to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi, but will most likely play professional baseball in an independent league. Rocker’s agent, CAA’s Scott Boras, worked to keep a deal in place with the Mets but ultimately was unsuccessful. The Mets and Rocker originally agreed upon a $6 million deal when he was drafted last month.

“Rocker is healthy according to independent medical review by multiple prominent baseball orthopedic surgeons,” said Boras in a statement. “Immediately upon conclusion of collegiate season, he had an MRI on both his shoulder and his elbow. When compared to his 2018 MRIs, the medical experts found no significant change. Kumar requires no medical attention and will continue to pitch in the regular course as he prepares to begin his professional career.”

Last week, Rocker’s teammate Jack Leiter signed a league maximum contract with the Texas Rangers worth $7.9 million. Leiter was drafted by the Rangers with the No. 2 overall pick.

Steven Boero
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