Selecting players in the MLB Draft is always a risky business. Although scouts are able to accurately assess a young prospect’s talent, there are other unknown factors that come into play. Most recently, the New York Mets were proven right, as their former top pick from 2021 suffered a serious injury. Fans reacted to the news and credited the Mets for not signing him.
MLB teams put a lot of resources and effort into developing their rookies and prospects. But if there are issues that they identify early on, this may not take place at all. The Mets decided not to sign their top draft pick in 2021 and his latest injury may be an indicator as to why they were proven correct.
New York Mets’ former 2021 top draft pick Kumar Rocker will undergo Tommy John surgery
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Kumar Rocker was picked by the Mets in 2021 with the 10th overall pick. But the New York-based team didn’t sign him, opting to take a compensation pick from the 2022 draft instead. They had concerns about the health of his right arm following post-draft medicals. In the 2022 Draft, Rocker was picked by the Texas Rangers with the third pick, this time successfully signing a deal.
But most recently, the 23-year old suffered a severe injury, which will require Tommy John Surgery. Fans have reacted to the news affirming the Mets’ decision not to sign Rocker. Talkin’ Baseball shared the news on Twitter that Rocker will undergo the procedure.
Rangers #6 prospect Kumar Rocker will undergo Tommy John surgery, per @Evan_P_Grant pic.twitter.com/FW2LN1OPhq
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 16, 2023
In a Tweet, they said, “Rangers #6 prospect Kumar Rocker will undergo Tommy John surgery, per @Evan_P_Grant”. Rocker tore a ligament in his right arm during his latest game at the High-A level.
The reactions to the injury have been mixed.
Some fans credited the Mets for not signing him.
Mets were spot on in their analysis of him after all
— Anthony – Kevin Cash sucks (@AnthonyS_Watson) May 16, 2023
But it was LOL Mets for not coming to terms with him. Hard to believe the Mets actually got something right.
— bcb169 (@bcb169) May 16, 2023
And @Mets got comp draft pick for not signing Rocker.
Hello Kevin Parada.
— College Baseball 365 (@CollegeBSB365) May 16, 2023
Mets were right
— Ty Mittelstaedt (@tymitt19) May 16, 2023
Other fans showed him support as he recovers from injury.
This sucks so much, feel bad for the kid
— Zachary Tyler (@wolfsxblood24) May 16, 2023
Brutal
— Benjamin (@sirbroth) May 16, 2023
Painnnnn
— Logan Bard (@loganbard42) May 16, 2023
This is a massive blow for Rocker, as he will be out for a few months while recovering from this injury. But the Rangers are offering him their full support as he prepares for surgery and a long road to recovery. Although the Mets avoided signing Rocker, one of their own star pitchers suffered a terrible injury earlier this year.
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Mets Closer Edwin Diaz suffered a severe injury during the World Baseball Classic
2023 has been a rough season for the Mets. They have struggled to win games consistently and are in bad form. A big reason for this is because their star closer Edwin Diaz is injured.
He suffered a torn patellar tendon while celebrating a win during the World Baseball Classic. It is a freak injury that will most likely prevent him from pitching this season.
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What do you think of the injury to former New York Mets top pick Kumar Rocker? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.