Early grades for the last 5 Mets first-round draft picks

2021 – Kumar Rocker, D-

Kumar Rocker was the 10th overall pick in 2021 and he fell to the Mets in an amazing yet suspicious fashion. A college star at Vanderbilt, this draft pick deserves a D- for a couple of reasons.

First of all, we know the Mets failed to sign Rocker. That’s probably for the best because when he was taken third overall by the Texas Rangers in 2022, he didn’t pitch well and underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2023. He is actually back in what should be viewed more as a rehab than a full return to glory. His first start this season, in Rookie Ball, lasted only 2 innings. He struck out 3 and gave up a home run.

Rocker is already 24 which for those of us who look back at that age wondering where the team went scowl with jealousy. In the world of MLB prospects, Rocker is further behind.

The Mets dodged a bullet by not signing Rocker and yet this draft pick barely makes its way above an F. The fact that they used their compensation pick to take Parada the following year doesn’t help either.

It was bold of the Mets to take Rocker in the draft when his stock had fallen so badly because of some health concerns. They got nothing out of him and we’ll be fortunate to get anything from the player they ended up with the next year.