MLB World Reacts To Major Kumar Rocker News

Andrew Holleran
Kumar Rocker throws a pitch.
Kumar Rocker throws a pitch.

The New York Mets are reportedly not expected to sign first round pick Kumar Rocker before the 5 p.m. E.T. deadline on Sunday.

Rocker, one of the top pitchers in college baseball over the past two years, was the 10th overall pick in the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft. The Mets were lauded for the selection, as many felt Rocker would go inside the top six. Instead, he slipped to the bottom of the top 10.

Now, we appear to know why.

Rocker is reportedly not likely to be signed by the Mets before the deadline. There is reportedly an issue with his medicals, leading to some disagreement between the NL East franchise and Rocker’s representation.

From the report:

Rocker, 21, whose dominance at Vanderbilt made him the most well-known college player in perhaps a decade, had an agreement in place to sign for $6 million after he slipped down draft boards earlier this month. But the deal fell apart following his physical examination, and multiple sources said they do not expect a revised one to come together before the deadline.

The possibility of the Mets and Rocker coming to an eleventh-hour agreement always exists, and past deals that looked dead were eventually consummated. But the momentum in recent days, and the expectation of multiple sources, is that the Mets are unlikely to change their stance.

This would be another tough injury blow for the Mets. They’re currently without ace Jacob deGrom, who’s expected to be out until September.

Rocker was not going to contribute this year, but the Mets obviously had big plans for his future.

If Rocker does not sign, the Mets will receive a 2022 draft pick as compensation.

New York has until 5 p.m. E.T. to make a final decision.

The post MLB World Reacts To Major Kumar Rocker News appeared first on The Spun.

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