Kumar Rocker

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Kumar Rocker

|image = File:Kumar Rocker.jpg

|caption = Rocker with the Vanderbilt Commodores

|team = Texas Rangers

|number = 80

|position = Pitcher

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|11|22}}

|birth_place = Watkinsville, Georgia, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = September 12

|debutyear = 2024

|debutteam = Texas Rangers

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = April 23, 2025

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 1–5

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 6.54

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 30

|teams =

Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2024}}–present)

|highlights =

| medaltemplates =

{{MedalCountry | {{bb|USA}}}}

}}

Kumar Rocker (born November 22, 1999) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Rocker played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores. He was selected with the 10th pick in the 2021 MLB draft by the New York Mets but was not signed. After one year with the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Frontier League, he was selected by the Rangers with the third overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft. He signed with the Rangers and made his MLB debut in 2024.

Early life and amateur career

Rocker has described himself as being broadly from "the South." He grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee before ultimately settling in Georgia.{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Nate |title=Toughness of Texas Rangers’ Kumar Rocker forged by upbringing as son of football coach |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2024/09/11/toughness-of-texas-rangers-kumar-rocker-forged-by-upbringing-as-son-of-football-coach/ |access-date=9 May 2025 |work=Dallas News |date=12 September 2024 |language=en}} Some sources have described him as having been born in Montgomery, Alabama.{{cite news |last1=Aguilera |first1=Nick |title=Get to know Rangers top pick Kumar Rocker |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kumar-rocker-guide |access-date=9 May 2025 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=July 17, 2022 |language=en}}{{cite web |title=2024 Media Guide |url=https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/a0bs5d2p8prnsy0i9qms.pdf |publisher=Biloxi Shuckers |access-date=9 May 2025}}{{cite web |title=The Commodores |url=https://vucommodores.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Player_Information.pdf |publisher=Vanderbilt University |access-date=9 May 2025}}

Rocker attended North Oconee High School in Bogart, Georgia. As a junior in 2017, he had a 1.63 earned run average (ERA) with 68 strikeouts in {{frac|55|2|3}} innings.{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Ivan |date=August 14, 2017 |title=Perfect Game participants get taste of majors |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/high-school-preps/sd-sp-perfect-game-baseball-20170813-story.html |access-date=August 1, 2021 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune}} That year, he played in the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game and Perfect Game All-American Classic.{{cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Jesse |date=January 15, 2018 |title=Big prospect soaks up wisdom at Dream Series |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kumar-rocker-takes-in-dream-series-experience/c-264716936 |access-date=June 27, 2019 |website=Mlb.com}} Later in the summer, he played for the USA Baseball 18U National Team.{{cite web |title=Rocker's summer full of travel, World Cup |url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/sports/article_44797e96-9ecd-11e7-b60d-d378718413be.html |access-date=June 27, 2019 |publisher=Oconeeenterprise.com}}

Rocker committed to Vanderbilt University to play college baseball.{{cite web |last=Matthew Caldwell |date=November 8, 2017 |title=North Oconee's Kumar Rocker signs with Vanderbilt to play baseball |url=http://www.onlineathens.com/oconee/sports/prep/2017-11-08/north-oconee-s-kumar-rocker-signs-vanderbilt-play-baseball |access-date=June 27, 2019 |publisher=Onlineathens.com}}{{cite web |date=May 1, 2018 |title=ALL-USA Watch: Top baseball prospect Kumar Rocker still weighing decision to go pro or go to Vanderbilt |url=http://usatodayhss.com/2018/top-baseball-prospect-kumar-rocker-still-weighing-decision-to-go-pro-or-go-to-vanderbilt |access-date=June 27, 2019 |publisher=Usatodayhss.com}} He was considered one of the top prospects for the 2018 Major League Baseball draft,{{cite web |date=May 24, 2013 |title=MLB.com 2018 Prospect Watch | MLB.com |url=https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/2018 |access-date=June 27, 2019 |publisher=MLB.com |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626202259/http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2018?list=draft |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=AOTW: Rocker pitching and hitting to help guide Titans to playoffs |url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/sports/article_3181e5aa-3e58-11e8-9aac-4f9732776f44.html |access-date=June 27, 2019 |publisher=Oconeeenterprise.com}} but was not selected until the 38th round by the Colorado Rockies,{{cite web |title=MLB Draft Tracker |url=https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/rockies |access-date=June 27, 2019 |website=MLB.com}} falling due to signability concerns. He did not sign with the Rockies and enrolled at Vanderbilt.{{cite web|last=Newman |first=Kyle |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2021/07/09/rockies-2021-mlb-draft-preview/ |title=Rockies have glaring needs at starting pitcher, shortstop entering 2021 MLB Draft |publisher=Denverpost.com |date=July 9, 2021 |accessdate=August 2, 2021}}

On June 8, 2019, Rocker became the first pitcher ever to throw a no-hitter in the Super Regional round during the NCAA Division I baseball tournament. He recorded 19 strikeouts as Vanderbilt beat Duke 3–0.{{cite web |title=Vanderbilt freshman Kumar Rocker pitches first no-hitter in NCAA Super Regional history |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2019/06/09/vanderbilt-duke-baseball-live-score-updates-ncaa-tournament-2019-super-regionals-game-2/1322538001/ |access-date=June 9, 2019 |website=The Tennessean |language=en}} Rocker was named the 2019 College World Series Most Outstanding Player after Vanderbilt captured the 2019 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship on June 26, 2019. Rocker won both his starts in the College World Series and finished his freshman season with a 12–5 record. He was also named the 2019 Baseball America Freshman of the Year.{{cite web |last=Cahill |first=Teddy |title=Kumar Rocker Named 2019 College Baseball Freshman Of The Year |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/kumar-rocker-named-2019-baseball-america-freshman-of-the-year/ |access-date=February 26, 2020 |website=www.baseballamerica.com|date=June 28, 2019 }}

The New York Mets selected Rocker with the 10th pick in the first round of the 2021 MLB draft. Rocker and the Mets had verbally agreed on a $6 million signing bonus, $1.4 million above the slot value for the 10th pick, but the Mets decided not to make him an offer after reviewing his medical information.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31934790/new-york-mets-plan-sign-top-pick-kumar-rocker-concerns-physical-exam-sources-say|title=Mets don't sign top pick Rocker before deadline|date=August 1, 2021|website=ESPN.com|first1=Jeff|last1=Passan|first2=Kiley|last2=McDaniel}} Rocker had not participated in a program that would have made his medical information available pre-draft; this allowed the Mets not to make him an offer and receive a compensatory selection in the 2022 MLB draft.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kumar-rocker-does-not-sign-with-mets |title=Mets opt not to sign No. 10 pick Rocker |first=Anthony |last=DiComo |website=MLB.com |date=August 1, 2021 |accessdate=August 3, 2021}} Rocker's agent, Scott Boras, stated that Rocker "requires no medical attention." However, Rocker had surgery on his shoulder in September.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kumar-rocker-draft-status-after-medical-records-reveal-shoulder-surgery|title=How Rocker shoulder surgery impacts his Draft status|website=MLB.com}} Rocker did not return to Vanderbilt after going unsigned.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2021/08/01/vanderbilt-kumar-rocker-doesnt-sign-mets-due-injury-concerns/8076287002/|title = Kumar Rocker does not sign with Mets before deadline, not returning to Vanderbilt|website = The Tennessean}}

Professional career

=Tri-City ValleyCats=

In advance of the 2022 MLB draft, on May 13, 2022, Rocker signed with the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Frontier League.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/05/kumar-rocker-signs-with-frontier-leagues-tri-city-valleycats.html|title=Kumar Rocker Signs With Frontier League's Tri-City ValleyCats|website=MLB Trade Rumors|last=Franco|first=Anthony|date=May 13, 2022|access-date=May 13, 2022}} Prior to the draft, Rocker had a 1.35 ERA with 32 strikeouts and four walks in 20 innings pitched for Tri-City, reaching {{convert|99|mph}} with his fastball.{{Cite web |title=99 mph Fastball |url=https://www.tri-cityherald.com/sports/article263532423.html |access-date=December 23, 2022}}

=Texas Rangers=

The Texas Rangers selected Rocker in the first round, with the third overall selection, reuniting him with his former Vanderbilt teammate Jack Leiter.{{Cite web |title=Rangers pick fireballer Rocker at No. 3 overall |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-select-kumar-rocker-no-3-overall-in-2022-mlb-draft |website=MLB.com}} On July 26, 2022, Rocker signed with Texas for a $5.2 million signing bonus.{{Cite web |last=Grant |first=Evan |date=July 26, 2022 |title=Texas Rangers announce signing of first-round selection Kumar Rocker |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2022/07/26/texas-rangers-announce-signing-of-first-round-selection-kumar-rocker/ |access-date=July 26, 2022 |website=The Dallas Morning News |language=}} Rocker did not appear in a game after signing, instead working out at the Rangers' spring training facility.{{Cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Zach |date=October 4, 2022 |title=A year in the wilderness behind him, Kumar Rocker is finally ready to speak with his arm |url=https://theathletic.com/3654660/2022/10/04/kumar-rocker-texas-rangers-new-york-mets/ |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=The Athletic |language=}} Following the 2022 season, Rocker played for the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League.{{Cite web |last=Pontes |first=Geoff |date=October 3, 2022 |title=Previewing 2022 Arizona Fall League Pitchers To Watch |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/previewing-2022-arizona-fall-league-pitchers-to-watch/ |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=Baseball America}} Over 6 games in the AFL, Rocker went 2–1 with a 4.50 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 14 innings.{{Cite web |last=Callis |first=Jim |date=November 17, 2022 |title=Top 30 prospects from 2022 Fall League |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/top-prospect-performers-from-the-2022-arizona-fall-league |access-date=November 20, 2022 |website=MLB.com}}

Rocker received a non-roster invitation to major league spring training in 2023.{{Cite magazine |last=Postins |first=Matthew |date=January 28, 2023 |title=Rangers Invite Top Prospects to Spring Training |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/jack-leiter-kumar-rocker-texas-rangers-spring-training-invitation |access-date=February 1, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} He made 6 starts for the High-A Hickory Crawdads, posting a 2–2 record and 3.86 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 28.0 innings pitched.{{cite web|title=Rangers' Kumar Rocker: Back on track at High-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-kumar-rocker-back-on-track-at-high-a/|access-date=May 16, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=May 15, 2023 |language=en}} On May 16, 2023, it was announced that Rocker would require Tommy John surgery, ending his season.{{cite web|title=Rangers' Kumar Rocker: Will undergo Tommy John surgery|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-kumar-rocker-will-undergo-tommy-john-surgery/|access-date=May 16, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=May 16, 2023 |language=en}}

On September 12, 2024, the Rangers selected Rocker's contract and promoted him for his major league debut that night against the Seattle Mariners.{{Cite web |last=Grant |first=Evan |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Kumar Rocker will make major league debut for Texas Rangers against Seattle |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2024/09/09/kumar-rocker-will-make-major-league-debut-for-texas-rangers-against-seattle/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=Dallas Morning News |language=en}}

Rocker made the Rangers' Opening Day roster out of spring training in 2025.{{cite news |title=Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker to fill out Rangers' starting rotation |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44403093/jack-leiter-kumar-rocker-fill-rangers-starting-rotation |access-date=March 25, 2025 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN.com |date=March 25, 2025}}

Personal life

His father, Tracy Rocker, played in the National Football League (NFL),{{cite web |title=Rocker officially signs with Vanderbilt |url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/sports/article_606c2fa2-cada-11e7-8f12-2f00fcd2370c.html |access-date=June 27, 2019 |publisher=Oconeeenterprise.com}} is a College Football Hall of Famer{{cite web |last=Sparks |first=Adam |title=Kumar Rocker leads preseason No. 1 Vanderbilt in bid for repeat title at College World Series |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/baseball/2020/01/23/vanderbilt-pitcher-kumar-rocker-leads-national-championship-repeat-bid/4528796002/ |access-date=February 26, 2020 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} from Auburn University, and is the defensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans.{{cite web |title=Eagles add former Auburn star as defensive line coach |date=January 24, 2021 |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/eagles-add-former-auburn-star-tracy-rocker-defensive-line-coach |access-date=March 22, 2021 |publisher=nbcsports.com}} His maternal grandparents immigrated to the United States from Andhra Pradesh, India. His parents met when his mother, Lalitha, was a student at the University of Maryland and his father was playing for the Washington Redskins.{{Cite news |last=Sparks |first=Adam |date=June 8, 2019 |title=Vanderbilt baseball: Why Kumar Rocker listened to mom, chose Commodores over big MLB payday |language=en |work=The Tennessean |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2019/02/13/kumar-rocker-draft-mlb-vanderbilt-baseball/2823061002/ |access-date=June 9, 2019}}