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Kumar Rocker could take different route back to MLB Draft

By David Hill

Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker (80) is congratulated by teammates after his first inning against East Carolina during game one in the NCAA Super Regional at Hawkins Field Friday, June 11, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.Nas Vandy Ecu 003
Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker (80) is congratulated by teammates after his first inning against East Carolina during game one in the NCAA Super Regional at Hawkins Field Friday, June 11, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.Nas Vandy Ecu 003 /
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Kumar Rocker has already taken a strange path to professional baseball and his time has yet to actually begin. He had been selected with the tenth overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft by the New York Mets and had been a key part of their marketing campaign afterwards. Then he did not sign as the Mets had questions about his medicals and lowered their offer.

Rocker is eligible for the draft once again this season but may be taking a different path. He is reportedly considering spending time in independent ball, using that time to prove that he is healthy and ready to begin his career in affiliated ball.

Kumar Rocker taking a different path back to MLB Draft

While it is an unusual step for a player to take, it is not unprecedented. J.D. Drew was the most infamous case of a player doing so, playing for the St. Paul Saints in 1997 and 1998 instead of signing with the Phillies. Aaron Crow and Luke Hochevar also went through the independent leagues before being drafted again.

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At least Rocker would not be taking the same path as Carter Stewart. After he failed to come to terms with the Braves after being selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, he signed a six year deal to pitch for the SoftBank Hawks in Nippon Professional Baseball.

If Rocker can stay healthy and produce, this gamble could work out. He had been considered to be a possible first overall selection heading into the 2021 MLB Draft, hailed for his plus-plus slider, upper 90s fastball, and serviceable changeup. The potential is there for Rocker to be a dominant top of the rotation arm.

But it all depends on health. Should Rocker actually take the mound for an independent league team in 2022, he could follow in Hochevar’s footsteps and be the top pick in the upcoming draft. Or, if he falls to the 11th overall selection, the Mets could get a second chance to sign him.

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Kumar Rocker is reportedly considering heading the independent route for 2022. It is a gamble that could pay off in the MLB Draft.

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