2018 MLB Draft: Kumar Rocker, RHP – North Oconee HS (GA)
This is another volatile name in the mock drafts. On April 30th, Jonathan Mayo had him going to the Yankees with their first round pick. In the mock drafts since he’s gone as high as 12 to the Blue Jays in The Athletic’s mock. And as low as 42nd to the Colorado Rockies in Mock Draft 5.1 here at Call to the Pen. Why would the Yankees be the team to select him?
Well, he’s another hard throwing starting pitcher who routinely touches 98 in games. He’s got a big pitcher’s body at 6’4 and 240 pounds, but doesn’t lack athleticism. He backs up that plus fastball with two advanced breaking pitches. One is either a slider or a curve (scouts have classified it as both) which comes out of the hand in the low 80’s and breaks late. The other is a changeup that lives 88-91 or so and dies as it crosses the plate. Kumar Rocker, like Grayson Rodriguez, would be a wonderful addition to a deep pool of potential starting pitchers.
2018 MLB Draft: Mason Denaburg, RHP/C – Merritt Island HS (FL)
While he both caught and took the mound in high school, Mason Denaburg spent all of 2018 as a pitcher. His catching background gives him a slightly higher floor than most pitching prospects. He could be moved there should he fail to thrive in his preferred role. Denaburg has solid power at the plate for teams to hope on if it goes that way.
For now, he will be drafted as a pitcher who can throw in the mid-90’s and touch 97 MPH. He has flashed some secondary pitches with promise but hasn’t shown them consistently yet. So they remain a question — as is his future as a starter.
The young right-handed hurler missed some time this year with biceps tendinitis and may eventually have to move to a bullpen role. That uncertainty is why there is a chance he could be available when the Yankees pick at number 23.