Welcome back to Up-and-Coming Dynasty Players and welcome to The Show, Kumar Rocker.

The right-handed pitcher made his MLB debut Thursday night for the Texas Rangers, and while it is only one start, he showed why he has always been considered a top pitching prospect and why he is an up-and-coming dynasty star.

Rocker would have likely been a first-round draft choice out of high school in 2018, but he was dead set on attending Vanderbilt and instead was drafted in the 38th round by Colorado in case he changed his mind. He didn’t and tt was a good move on his part as he was outstanding on the mound for the Commodores. During his time there he won the College World Series Most Outstanding Player award as a freshman in 2019. Against Duke in the Super Regionals that season he threw a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts against Duke.

In 2021, he led NCAA Division pitchers in wins with 14 and in strikeouts with 179.

Getting Sidetracked

After the 2021 college season, the Mets drafted Rocker with the 10th overall pick in July and a deal was in place that included a $6 million bonus. But before the deal was finalized, the post-draft physical showed Rocker to have shoulder and elbow issues and the Mets pulled their offer.

Rocker underwent shoulder surgery in September of that year and returned in 2022 to pitch in the Frontier League and he appeared to be fully healthy. In 20 innings of work, he allowed only 11 hits and four walks while striking out 32 for a 1.25 ERA and 0.750 WHIP with a 14.4 K/9 rate.

Eligible to be drafted again, the Rangers pounced on the chance to take Rocker, selecting him third overall. After making some appearances in the Arizona Fall League, Rocker started his 2023 campaign at Class A and was 2-2 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.000 WHIP with a 13.5 K/9 rate through his first six starts when he blew out his elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery.