Texas Rangers shock with Kumar Rocker selection in 2022 MLB Draft

The Texas Rangers have been on the search for an ace for their rotation. Taking Jack Leiter with the second overall selection in the 2021 MLB Draft was a step in that direction. Now, the Rangers have someone who may be able to help in the near future.

The Rangers shocked the baseball world with their selection in the 2022 MLB Draft. With the third overall pick, they drafted Kumar Rocker, Leiter’s former Vanderbilt teammate and current member of the Tri-Cities ValleyCats.

Texas Rangers making surprising pick with Kumar Rocker

Rocker should not have even been here. He had been selected with the tenth overall pick by the Mets last season, who built their entire draft around him. However, there were questions about his medicals, leading the Mets to never make an official offer for his services.

After announcing that he was not going to return to Vanderbilt, Rocker became one of the biggest enigmas in the draft class. That was only furthered when it was learned that he had a “minor scope” on his right arm in September.

However, Rocker impressed during his brief time with the ValleyCats. He allowed just four runs, three earned, on 11 hits and four walks over his 20 innings, striking out 32 batters. His velocity was back and his slider was as sharp as ever. That performance had led to some rumblings that he could rocket up the draft boards, going from the second round to someone who could be taken in the middle of the first.

Instead, the Rangers pounced with the third overall selection. It is possible that he could move quickly through their system, making an impact at the major league level as soon as this year. The Rangers are certainly hoping that he and Leiter can recreate the magic they had at Vanderbilt in Arlington.

The Texas Rangers made surprised everyone by selecting Kumar Rocker with the third overall pick in the MLB Draft. That decision could pay immediate dividends.