Jun 25, 2021; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores starting pitcher Kumar Rocker (80) pitches in the second inning against the NC State Wolfpack at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

The 2022 MLB Draft is a little over two months away, but Friday has brought reports that certainly have the possibility to shake up the first round of the draft.

According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, former New York Mets draft pick Kumar Rocker has signed with the Tri-City Valleycats of the Frontier League. Rocker will pitch with them in an attempt to improve his draft stock.

Rocker is best well known for not signing with the Mets after being selected 10th overall in last year’s draft.

The Mets reportedly received a troubling MRI on Rocker after selecting him that showed issues with his right elbow, causing the team to offer the former Vanderbilt pitcher an offer well below the normal figure for an early first-round draft pick. Rocker did not agree to that and is eligible this year.

Many around the MLB world were waiting for an update on Rocker, and are extremely excited for him to hopefully prove his talents to MLB scouts between now and the MLB Draft in July.

Rocker was excellent during his time at Vanderbilt, acquiring 28 wins over his three years at the program, finishing his career with a 2.89 ERA.

Talent has never been the question with Rocker, but it will be interesting to see whether or not the injury concerns that have plagued him throughout his career are gone.

It remains to be seen whether or not his situation last year with the Mets will take Rocker off of their radar, but hopefully he can impress some teams ahead of the draft to get selected near his original draft spot last year.

[Jeff Passan]

About Reice Shipley

Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.