Vanderbilt University pitcher Kumar Rocker has signed with the New York Mets for $6 million, reports American Kahani.
The Indian American is from a sports family. His father, Tracy Quinton Rocker, is a defensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to MLB.com, the 6’4″ right hander was born in Montgomery, AL and had an impressive 2.7 ERA in three seasons for Vanderbilt. If you’re not a baseball fan, that means he gave up on average less than three runs a game which is darn good.
He also averaged more than 12 strikeouts a game over 9 innings. In 2019, he threw a no hitter while recording 19 strikeouts out of a possible 27.
Rocker had been projected to be a top six pick, but according to the Post, his high salary demand scared some teams away.
“It was about a war to get him down [to 10th] because we felt the Mets were a good pick for him and a good environment,” Scott Boras, Rocker’s agent, told The Post.
Rocker also played football in high school, but decided to pursue baseball to the disappointment of his father.
“I thought he was a very good football player, I wish he would have played for me, but I mean, he chose the right sport for him and I’m proud of him,” said his father to the American Kahani.
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story or making a contribution.
