Just four years ago, Kumar Rocker was the best pitcher in college baseball.
A lot has changed since then, including a pit stop in indy ball, but Rocker, the Rangers' No. 2 prospect and No. 97 overall per MLB Pipeline, will finally make his MLB debut for Texas on Thursday against the Mariners in Seattle at T-Mobile Park.
The news marks the culmination of a star-crossed start to Rocker's pro career. A breakout star at Vanderbilt during the Commodores' run to the Men's College World Series in 2021, Rocker was initially selected No. 10 overall by the Mets in the 2021 MLB Draft, but New York opted not to sign him due to medical concerns. He later underwent shoulder surgery and pitched for the independent Tri-City Valley Cats in 2022, showing enough that the Rangers took him No. 3 overall in the 2022 Draft.
Rocker pitched in the Arizona Fall League in 2022 and put up solid numbers with High-A Hickory in 2023 before Tommy John surgery halted his first full Minor League season after only six starts.
The 24-year-old right-hander returned to action on July 5 and has a 1.96 ERA over 10 games between the Arizona Complex League Rangers, Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock this season, including striking out eight across five innings of two-run ball in his last start on Friday for Round Rock.
“He's been dealt some challenging circumstances with things that were outside of his control,” said Rangers assistant general manager of player development Ross Fenstermaker. “But I think the biggest takeaway with Rock is he's just so strong-willed and determined to achieve what he wants to achieve. He's really built to handle adversity in a very high capacity. It's impressive what he does and how he goes about it. I’m glad he’s a Ranger.”
Rocker's debut isn't the only impending rotation reinforcement for the defending champs: Multiple-time Cy Young winners Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer are expected to rejoin the team this week.
The promotion does come as a bit of a shock, especially considering the Rangers will now have seven starting pitchers come this weekend.
Just last month, general manager Chris Young cautioned everyone to not get ahead of themselves as it pertained to Rocker.
“We're going to have him on an innings limit, as we would any pitcher who's coming off surgery,” Young said. “We want to be responsible. That said, this is tremendous progress, and we're just thrilled with where he is right now. ... That’s just getting too far ahead right now though [when talking about the big leagues]. We just can't answer that question. He's had one Triple-A start. It's too far ahead.”
Just days ago, manager Bruce Bochy told reporters that Rocker would be competing to make the Opening Day lineup in 2025, but likely would not arrive sooner.
“We're all working together and trying to do what's best for the player and for the team as we wind this season down,” Bochy said on Sunday at Globe Life Field. “We're trying to do what we think is right for his future, too.”
Things developed quickly. Rocker proved that he could dominate Triple-A. The next step is the big leagues.