Vanderbilt star Rocker falls to Mets with 10th pick

With the 10th pick of the 2021 MLB Draft, the New York Mets selected Kumar Rocker, a right-handed pitcher from Vanderbilt.

Rocker was a part of a strong Commodores rotation in 2021 that also featured Jack Leiter. He was 13-3 with a 2.58 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 111 2/3 innings over 18 starts this season, including one complete game and six outings where he struck out more than 10.

Rocker is the son of former NFL defensive lineman Tracy Rocker.

MLB Pipeline ranked Rocker No. 23 among its Top 200 as a high schooler in 2018. He dropped to the Colorado Rockies in the 38th round that year but chose not to sign due to his college commitment.

Bio

Age: 21
Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 245 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Vanderbilt
Pick value (#10): $4,739,900

Tools

• Fastball operates at 93-96 mph, touching 99
• 70-grade slider
• Overpowers opponents

Why fans will love this player

• Threw 19-strikeout no hitter vs. Duke in freshman year
• Entered year as top-rated draft prospect
• 2019 College World Series MVP

Things he'll need to overcome

• Inconsistent velocity
• Needs to develop a better fourth pitch
• Average command

Take a look ...

(Video source: Wheels)