The Mets grabbed one of the highest-profile players in the 2021 MLB draft, snagging Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker with the tenth overall pick.
Rocker still would have to sign with the Mets, but the 21-year-old was highly rated after three college seasons.
“We really thought there was very little chance this would happen,” Mets VP of amateur and international scouting Tommy Tanous said, saying he was “elated.”
“We want Kumar to have a long career here,” Tanous said.
Marc Tramuta, the Mets’ director of amateur scouting, called the pick “obvious” and Rocker “extremely talented.”
Keith Law, a leading prospect expert, said Rocker at No. 10 was the “absolute best case” for the Mets.
Rocker, a 6-5 righty, had a 2.89 ERA in 236 innings at Vanderbilt. In his freshman season, he led the Commodores to a College World Series title and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
“That’s another animal, but that’s what I think I was made for,” he said of playing in New York.
“It’s going to take some time, but that’d be awesome,” Rocker said on the draft broadcast about the possibility of joining Jacob deGrom in Queens. “I love their colors too.”
His father, Tracy, played two years in the NFL for Washington and is currently the Eagles’ defensive line coach.
