Kumar Rocker is here, healthy, and the Texas Rangers have high expectations

Apparently, the Texas Rangers have nothing to worry about.

They introduced first-round pick (No. 3 overall) Kumar Rocker during a press conference before Thursday’s series opener against the White Sox and we still don’t know the recent medical history of Rocker’s $5.2 million right arm.

That was the signing bonus the Rangers paid Rocker, who his represented by super agent Scott Boras, who was flanked to Rocker’s left on the press conference stage set up in the upper concourse in center field at Globe Life Field. Rangers general manager Chris Young and scouting director Kip Fagg sat to Rocker’s right.

Rocker, who will spend a few more days in Arlington before joining his draft class in Arizona to prepare to pitch in the fall instructional league, was vague when asked on draft night about the details, as were the Rangers.

A quick history on how we got here: Rocker was a star pitcher for Vanderbilt for three years before the Mets selected him 10th overall in last year’s draft. But the Mets were concerned by the results of his post-drat physical and declined to sign him. The Mets never divulged what scared them off.

Rocker, in turn, had surgery on his right arm later that September and then pitched in an independent pro league team in Albany, N.Y., with hopes of recapturing interests in MLB scouts. He did, and the Rangers were convinced enough to take him with the No. 3 overall pick.

Rocker’s agent Scott Boras explained Thursday that the surgical procedure was nothing more than an exploratory move to make sure the right-hander had no structural issues.

“I think the point of it is, Kumar didn’t have a pitching-necessary scope. He had something that was done to really assure all that he was physically capable of being a major league pitcher,” Boras said. “Certainly from Kumar’s point of view, what he needed to go forward to have clarity, because no physician told us he needed [surgery].”

Q&A with Texas Rangers’ first-round 2022 MLB draft pick RHP Kumar Rocker

What did you learn about herself last year [after failing to sign with the Mets and choosing to pitch for an independent pro team?

Every day is a battle, really. Just getting through it, putting as much detail as you can into your work, caring about people around you, being kind to people. Just taking it day-by-day.

How much of your success do you attribute to your dad?

He contributed a lot. Since I was about 9, I’ve been in every SEC locker room, just learning all I can, meeting Chris Johnson with the Titans, little things like that, seeing how those guy operate. It’s changed a lot in (making me) the person I am today.

How anxious are you to get in pro games this summer? I’m really excited. Getting through this process is the starting line. So, pitching out there, getting free and being myself, it’s a great step in the right direction.

What has [former Vanderbilt teammate] Jack [Leiter] told you about the organization? (Leiter was Texas’ top pick a year ago.) He’s said nothing but good things; Jack’s been an incredible resource, as well. Nothing but good things.

Is there more pressure being the No. 3 overall pick, or what you went through last, being drafted 10th overall by the Mets but failed to sign? Definitely the second thing you said. All the pressure is gone right. Happy to be No. 3 and happy to move forward, too.

You were drafted three times, once out of high school, with the No. 10 overall pick a year ago, and now this year. The main focus was education. That was a priority coming out there. My athletic ability gave me an option to go to college with a scholarship. So to do that ... and get to pro ball.

How excited are you about joining your former Vanderbilt teammate Jack Leiter? I’m incredibly excited. He’s an incredible resource, for pro aspects of the game, on and off the field. He’s got a lot of knowledge. I’m excited to have a chemistry again with him in the rotation or wherever it may be. Win ball games, of course, too.

You dropped your arm slot when you pitch. Whose idea was that ans why did you do it? That was my idea. Just more natural, more athletic. I’m a ballplayer, you know?

You’re soon headed to Arizona for Instructional Leagues. Ever been to Arizona,? It’s really hot. Yes. Hot as hell. It’s not a joke. It’ll take your breath away.

You’ve been in Arlington since Monday, what have been doing? Introducing myself to the guys. Getting comfortable with them, and them getting comfortable with me. Just fitting in and blending.