DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Texas Rangers have officially signed 2022 first-round pick Kumar Rocker to a contract, the club announced Tuesday morning.
The organization didn't announce the terms of the deal, but according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the right-hander will receive a $5.2 million bonus, well below the $7.5 million slot value for the No. 3 overall pick.
The Rangers are expected to use the savings to sign highly-touted high school pitcher and fourth-round selection, Brock Porter, to an over-slot deal.
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“The Texas Rangers are excited to have Kumar Rocker joining our organization,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Young. “Kumar is an elite competitor with the potential to make a major contribution for the Rangers, and we look forward to watching his development. We will be working with Kumar in the short term on the appropriate training and pitching program for the remainder of the 2022 season.”
Rocker, 6-5, 245 pounds, was selected with the 10th pick in the 2021 MLB Draft by the New York Mets, who never ultimately offered him a contact over their concerns with the durability of his right throwing shoulder.
After failing to sign with the Mets, Rocker signed with the Tri-City Valley Cats of the Frontier League and re-entered the draft. In five starts with the Cats, Rocker was 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched.
Rocker will be made available for comment when he's introduced to the Metroplex on Aug. 4.
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