Texas Rangers select former Vanderbilt star Kumar Rocker in 2022 MLB Draft

In an early shocking pick from the 2022 MLB Draft, the Texas Rangers selected former Vanderbilt star Kumar Rocker third overall. With most draft expectations putting Rocker as a possible first-round pick, his selection as third overall was a major surprise on draft night.

Kumar Rocker selected by the Texas Rangers

The former Vanderbilt ace is known for his 100-mph speed and was selected 10th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft by the New York Mets. Unfortunately, due to concerns about his arm’s health by the Mets, they did not offer him a contract and he re-entered the MLB draft pool for this year.

Rocker’s former agent, Scott Boras, attempted to get ahead of the arm concerns for his player’s future, releasing a statement to this effect last year that claimed Rocker’s arm has been medically cleared by multiple doctors. After choosing to not return to Vanderbilt after his draft hopes fell through, the decision appeared to be the right one for him as the Rangers made him an even higher draft pick than before.

Adding to the unusual draft path Rocker has taken is the team that selected him could lead to a reunion for Rocker and his former Vanderbilt teammate Jack Leiter. The Rangers selected Leiter with the second overall pick of last year’s draft, now having selected two star pitchers from the Commodores with top-three picks in back-to-back drafts.

Rocker’s college success

Early in his final college season, he was projected close to the first overall pick. However, concerns about his mechanics and the speed of his pitches caused him to slip down draft boards. The Mets were hoping to get a real talent below his value with the 10th pick.

Despite the concerns, Rocker still ended his Vanderbilt career with a 14-win season in 20 starts and a 2.73 ERA. He went eight innings on the mound in several games, but pitched a complete game against Mississippi State deep into the season, as well.

Perhaps his greatest legacy with Vanderbilt fans will be his postseason power. He ended his college career with a 6-0 record in the NCAA playoffs, boasting a 0.63 ERA and 64 strikeouts. Among this success, he pitched a no-hitter in the 2019 NCAA Tournament en route to a College World Series MVP award.