The New York Mets didn't sign Kumar Rocker, the 10th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, the team announced Sunday.
New York and Rocker had reached an agreement on a $6-million deal, but it apparently fell apart after the team expressed concerns about Rocker's elbow following his physical, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel.
Rocker's agent, Scott Boras, insists the right-hander is healthy.
Here is a statement from Rocker’s agent, Scott Boras, in which he declares Rocker healthy. A statement from the Mets is expected soon, too. pic.twitter.com/xrCSSW9iKy
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 1, 2021
"This is clearly not the outcome we had hoped for and wish Kumar nothing but success moving forward," Mets general manager Zack Scott said in a statement obtained by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
The Mets did not extend a new offer with a lower bonus to Rocker, instead choosing to end negotiations entirely, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.
Rocker previously declined an invitation to participate in MLB's pre-draft MRI program. Had he taken part, the Mets would have been required to offer him a contract worth at least 40% of his pick's slot value, according to DiComo. Instead, they were able to walk away without officially making an offer.
Instead of returning to Vanderbilt for his senior season, Rocker is expected to turn professional and work out on his own before re-entering the draft in 2022, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. He can't sign with another MLB organization, but the 21-year-old is permitted to join an independent league if he chooses.
Rocker emerged as a top prospect during his three-year NCAA career at Vanderbilt. He was widely expected to be a top-five pick, if not a contender to go first overall, this year before surprisingly falling to the Mets at No. 10.
New York will receive the 11th overall pick in next year's draft as compensation.
