During the 2021 MLB draft, there was a debate between the New York Mets and their first-round pick, Pitcher Kumar Rocker, over issues like his health and his contract.
He never signed his contract and was allowed to re-enter the draft in 2022 and that is what he wants to do.
However, he has not pitched competitively for some time, so he wants to test his arm, show his current progress and let the world know that he wants to be a first-rounder again by signing a contract with an Independent League team.
“Kumar Rocker, the former Vanderbilt ace who did not sign with the New York Mets after being selected in the first round last year, has signed with the Tri-City Valicates of the Frontier League. He will pitch there before the MLB draft, where he deserves to be re-elected, “tweeted ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Kumar Rocker, the former Vanderbilt Ace who did not sign with the New York Mets after being selected in the first round last year, has signed with the Tri-City Valicates of the Frontier League. He will pitch there before the MLB draft, where he deserves to be re-elected.
– Jeff Pasan (JefPasan) May 13, 2022
A win-win situation
The Valikats play in the Frontier League, and having a rocker pitch is nothing but a positive for everyone.
The team and the league get an incredible talent for promoting the circuit, and the pitcher gets a platform where he can pitch again and be ready for the draft and to live as a professional, once he is selected and signed.
“I covered the Frontier League five years ago. Good player, but no one like Kumar Rocker. Glad to have the league exposure and happy that Rocker will have a chance to show what he got before the draft, ”author Ryan Fagan tweeted.
Covered the Frontier League five long years ago. Good player, but no one like Kumar Rocker. Delighted and delighted to receive the league exposure, Rocker will have the opportunity to show what he got before the draft. https://t.co/0vC4X1qsIE
– Ryan Fagan (ryanfagan) May 13, 2022
Rocker has the potential to be a real star in the Frontier League.
He carries a significant amount of risk on draft days, but the possibility of a reward is also hard to deny.