The New
York Mets have failed to sign pitcher Kumar Rocker, their top pick from the amateur
draft last month, by the 5 PM signing deadline on Sunday following concerns over
his medical scans.

“This is
clearly not the outcome we had hoped for and wish Kumar nothing but success
moving forward,” Mets’ acting general manager Zack Scott said in a statement. “We’re
excited about the players we have signed and look forward to watching them
develop and contribute to the organization in the years to come.”

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Rocker, the
21-year-old Vanderbilt pitcher was the 10th overall pick of the
draft. The Mets will now receive an extra draft next year, the pick after the 10th,
because of their failure to land the right-hander.

The Mets have
now lost the $4,739,900 slot value available for draft signings that was
assigned to Rocker’s pick. The Montgomery, Alabama-born player was a junior in
college and is eligible to return to Vanderbilt for his senior year.

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However, Rocker, the top-rated MLB prospect this season, will reportedly give up his two remaining years of eligibility for college football, turn pro and re-enter the 2022 draft. 

This is the first time in three years that one of the first-round picks has not signed with the franchise that selected him. 

Rocker’s
performances at Vanderbilt had seen him become one of the most well-known
players in college players in recent years. He had a $6 million-deal agreed
with the Mets after slipping down the rankings in the draft last month.

However, the
deal fell apart after the Mets expressed concern over his arm following a
physical examination, ESPN quoted sources as saying. Rocker’s agent has said
that his client is healthy.

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“Kumar
Rocker is healthy according to independent medical review by multiple prominent
baseball orthopedic surgeons. Immediately upon conclusion of his collegiate
season, he had an MRI on both his shoulder and his elbow. When compared with
his 2018 MRIs, the medical experts found no significant change. Kumar requires
no medical attention and will continue to pitch in the regular course as he
prepares to begin his professional career,” he said in a statement.

Rocker
pitched 122 innings in 20 starts, striking out 179 batters with an ERA of 2.73
this season for Vanderbilt. He is the only one of the Mets 20 picks not to be
signed by the team.