Former Mets pick Rocker signs with independent league team

Right-hander Kumar Rocker will pitch for the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Frontier League before entering the 2022 MLB Draft.

The former Vanderbilt ace didn't sign with the New York Mets after they drafted him 10th overall in 2021.

The Mets and Rocker reached an agreement on a $6-million deal, but it reportedly fell apart after the team expressed concerns about the 22-year-old's elbow following his physical. His agent, Scott Boras, said the college star didn't have any health issues at the time.

Rocker is the 31st-best prospect available in July's draft, according to MLB.com.