BREAKING; “Kumar Rocker’s Spring Disaster: The Stunning Stats That Prove the Mets Made the Right Call—You Won’t Believe How Bad It’s Gone!”

Kumar Rocker’s journey has a unique connection to the New York Mets. Drafted 10th overall in 2021, the Mets reviewed his medical records and decided not to sign him, allowing the college standout to re-enter the draft the following year. The Texas Rangers then selected him third overall in 2022.

Rocker made his MLB debut last season, going winless in three starts but posting a solid 3.86 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 11.2 innings. It was a promising start, hinting at a potential breakout season and a chance to silence his critics. This year was expected to be his opportunity to establish himself as a Rookie of the Year contender. However, his performance this spring has been disastrous, potentially jeopardizing his spot on the roster.

So far, Rocker hasn’t shown he’s ready for the regular season. His debut on February 25 against the Kansas City Royals was rough: one inning, four hits, four earned runs, a hit batter, and just one strikeout over 22 pitches. While it was only one game, his next outing on March 1 against the Milwaukee Brewers was nearly as bad. He allowed four hits, four earned runs, two walks, and a home run, throwing 38 pitches in the process.

Rocker’s rapid ascent through the Rangers’ system saw him pitch 28 innings in 2023 and 36.2 innings in the minors last year, along with a brief stint in the majors. However, concerns about his workload dating back to his time at Vanderbilt remain relevant. In 2021 alone, he threw 122 innings, which accounts for over a third of his career total of 347 innings across college, independent ball, the minors, and the majors.

1. The Mets’ decision to pass on Rocker in 2021 due to medical concerns raises questions, especially given the underwhelming performance of Kevin Parada, the player they selected with the compensatory pick the following year. Parada has struggled in the minors and hasn’t impressed this spring either. Over the past several years, Mets fans have worried about young players blossoming into stars after leaving the organization, though none have truly broken out yet. Rocker stands out as a high-profile draft pick the Mets let go due to health concerns. With a 36.00 ERA after facing just 16 batters this spring, it seems the Mets may have avoided a potential regret—at least for now.