During the 2021 MLB Draft, there was a controversy between the New York Mets and their first-round selection, pitcher Kumar Rocker, over topics such as his health and his contract.
He never signed his contract and was allowed to re-enter the Draft in 2022, and that’s what he intends to do.
However, he hasn’t pitched competitively in a while, so he is signing with an Independent League team to test his arm, showcase his current progress, and let the world know he wants to be a first-rounder again.
“Kumar Rocker, the former Vanderbilt ace who did not sign with the New York Mets after they chose him in the first round last year, has signed with the Tri-City Valleycats of the Frontier League. He’ll pitch there before the MLB Draft, where he’s eligible to be selected again,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan tweeted.
Kumar Rocker, the former Vanderbilt ace who did not sign with the New York Mets after they chose him in the first round last year, has signed with the Tri-City Valleycats of the Frontier League. He’ll pitch there before the MLB Draft, where he’s eligible to be selected again.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 13, 2022
A Win-Win Situation
The Valleycats play in the Frontier League, and having Rocker pitch there is nothing but positive for everybody involved.
The team and the league get an incredible talent to promote the circuit, and the pitcher gets a platform in which he can pitch again and prepare for the draft and for life as a pro, once he is selected and signed.
“Covered the Frontier League for five years a long time ago. Good players, but nobody like Kumar Rocker. Glad to see the league get the exposure and glad Rocker will have the chance to show what he’s got before the draft,” writer Ryan Fagan tweeted.
Covered the Frontier League for five years a long time ago. Good players, but nobody like Kumar Rocker. Glad to see the league get the exposure and glad Rocker will have the chance to show what he's got before the draft. https://t.co/0vC4X1qsIE
— Ryan Fagan (@ryanfagan) May 13, 2022
Rocker has the potential to be a real star in the Frontier League.
He carries a significant amount of risk on draft day, but the reward potential is hard to deny, too.
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