Report: Mets' negotiations with Rocker stalled due to elbow concerns
The New York Mets haven't signed 2021 draft choice Kumar Rocker due to concerns about his elbow revealed during a physical examination, sources told The New York Post's Ken Davidoff.
Rocker, the 10th overall pick earlier this month, had reportedly agreed to a $6-million signing bonus with the Mets, pending a physical, Davidoff adds.
The right-hander's camp apparently doesn't agree with the team's concerns and has referenced his durability in college, where he tossed 122 innings for Vanderbilt last season.
Rocker could return to Vanderbilt for his senior year if he doesn't come to an agreement with the Mets before Sunday's 5 p.m. signing deadline.
New York might be entitled to a makeup pick in next year's draft if Rocker doesn't sign, although that's still to be determined with the league's collective bargaining agreement expiring in December.
Rocker, 21, starred alongside Texas Rangers draft choice Jack Leiter at Vanderbilt. The Georgia native went 28-10 with a 2.89 ERA and 321 strikeouts in 236 2/3 collegiate innings.
In 2019, Rocker tossed a 19-strikeout, no-hitter against Duke in the super regionals.