Report: Mets Don't Plan To Sign Kumar Rocker Over Concerns With Physical Exam

The New York Mets do not plan to sign right-hander Kumar Rocker, the 10th overall pick in the amateur draft.

ESPN reports that unless there is a drastic change between now and the 5 p.m. ET signing deadline, 21-year-old Rocker — whose dominance at Vanderbilt made him the most well-known college player in perhaps a decade — had an agreement in place to sign for $6 million after he slipped down draft boards earlier this month.

MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reports the deal fell apart following Rocker's physical examination, where an elbow issue popped up on his post-draft physical. If Rocker does not sign, the Mets would receive the 11th pick in the 2022 draft as compensation.

The possibility of the Mets and Rocker coming to an 11th-hour agreement always exists, unclear whether Rocker will return to Vanderbilt or pursue an alternate path, ESPN reports.

Rocker's agent Scott Boras insists he is healthy, pointing to the 122 innings he threw over 20 starts in which he struck out 179 batters with a 2.73 ERA this year.

Further, sources familiar with Rocker's situation said, outside orthopedists disagreed with the Mets' assessment of Rocker's health. ESPN reports the team expressed concerns over the health of Rocker's arm following the physical last week.