Kumar Rocker Selected by Mets with No. 10 Overall Pick in 2021 MLB Draft
Jul 12, 2021
Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker throws against Mississippi State in an NCAA college baseball game Friday, April 23, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Vanderbilt star Kumar Rocker will begin his professional career with the New York Metsafter being selected No. 10overall in the 2021 MLB draft.
Rocker and Jack Leiter were arguably the most-hyped pair of teammates in college baseball history. The former put himself on the map as a freshman during the 2019 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship when he tossed a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts in the Commodores' 3-0 win over Duke in the super regionals.
That same year in the College World Series, the 21-year-old allowed one run with 11 strikeouts in a Game 2 win over Michigan. The right-hander was named Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series after helping Vanderbilt win the national title.
Coming into this season, Rocker was widely regarded as the best college player in the draft. He did deal with some struggles along the way that led to other players, including Leiter, surpassing him in the prospect rankings.
MLB.com ranked Rocker as the third-best draft-eligible player, behind Leiter and Texas high school shortstop Jordan Lawlar:
"He usually operates at 93-96 mph with his heater, which can reach 99 and features some run and sink but also can get flat at times, though his velocity sat in the low 90s for three weeks early in the season. He notched all 19 of his whiffs in his no-hitter with his slider, a mid-80s beast with power and depth that grades as plus-plus at its best."
Keith Law of The Athletic shared Rocker's stat line from a May 7 start against Illinois-Chicago:
Law also noted in early April that there was "a lot of concern" at the time about Rocker's stuff because his fastball velocity was "more at 89 to 90 mph the past two outings than his customary 94-96."
Despite some of those issues, Rocker continued to be a dominant starter in the best conference in the country. He went 14-4 with a 2.73 ERA with 75 hits allowed, 39 walks and 179 strikeouts in 122 innings.
Mets owner Steve Cohen signaled the start of a new era with the acquisition of Francisco Lindor, who subsequently signed a 10-year, $341 million contract. Perhaps Rocker can emerge as one of the faces of the franchise as New York continues moving toward a brighter future.
Jordan Lawlar Taken by Diamondbacks with No. 6 Overall Pick in 2021 MLB Draft
Jul 11, 2021
Dallas Jesuit High School shortstop Jordan Lawler prepares to bat during a baseball game Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Texas high school shortstop Jordan Lawlar is going to be the crown jewel of the Arizona Diamondbacks' farm system after he was selected with the No. 6overall pick in the 2021 Major League Baseball draft.
An 18-year-old standout at Jesuit College Prep School in Dallas, he has been regarded as one of the top talents in the 2021 class since he was a sophomore.
At the Perfect Game National Showcase in June 2020, Lawlar ran 60 feet in 6.45 seconds and showed elite-level arm strength at shortstop:
"Has very easy and smooth actions in the middle infield, hands are very quick and clean at the ball, rounds the ball with maturity and has a quick exchange and release, plays defense in an easy comfort zone with an advanced inner clock. Right-handed hitter, hits from a slightly open stance with a short and quick inside swing, ball comes off the barrel hard, high contact middle of the field approach that can grow as he gets stronger, projects well offensively."
Lawlar went on to win the Jackie Robinson Perfect Game Player of the Year as a junior. Jeff Dahn of Perfect Game noted the blue-chip shortstop hit .485/.561/.848 in an abbreviated 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
MLB.com ranked him as the third-best player in the draft, behind California high school shortstop Marcelo Mayer and Vanderbilt ace Jack Leiter, and compared him to Bobby Witt when he was the No. 2 pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2019.
If Lawlar's development goes as expected, he will be a key contributor in Arizona in the near future after some time in the minor leagues.
Considering the Diamondbacks haven't made the playoffs since the 2017 campaign and they sit in last place in the National League West at 26-65 this season, they could use the reinforcements down the line.
Marcelo Mayer Selected by Red Sox with No. 4 Overall Pick in 2021 MLB Draft
Jul 11, 2021
A rain-covered logo is seen at Fenway Park before Game 1 of the World Series baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Boston Red Sox are hoping California high school shortstop Marcelo Mayer will become the crown jewel of their farm system after selecting him with the No. 4overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft.
While other top prospects in this year's class had some up-and-down moments during the season, the 18-year-old's steady performance and long-term potential at shortstop helped him rise up draft boards.
With the 4th pick in the 2021 #MLBDraft, we have selected shortstop Marcelo Mayer from Eastlake High School (CA).
MLB.com ranked Mayer as the No. 1 player in the 2021 class and compared his offensive skill set to a former National League Rookie of the Year:
"He has average or above tools across the board, starting with a plus feel to hit from the left side of the plate. He has an advanced approach and knowledge of the strike zone to go with elite bat-to-ball skills and a pure stroke. Long and lean, there’s a lot of raw power for him to grow into, with some scouts seeing a Corey Seager-like offensive profile if it all comes together."
The scouting report also noted Mayer's defensive instincts and aptitude are similar to San Francisco Giants star Brandon Crawford.
A standout at Eastlake High School, Mayer has been the team's starting shortstop since he was a freshman in 2018. He posted a .392/.555/.886 slash linein 34 games as a senior.
The Red Sox are playing with house money right now, currently leading the American League East and picking arguably the best player in the 2021 draft with the fourth overall pick.
Rafael Devers (24) and Alex Verdugo (25) are both young enough that they could be in their prime years by the time Mayer gets called up.
Boston's front office is doing a fantastic job of stockpiling high-impact talent for the future. Mayer joins a group that includes Triston Casas, Jeter Downs, Jarren Duran and Gilberto Jimenez.
Mayer could end up having the highest ceiling of any position player in the Red Sox system as soon as he signs because of his value as a shortstop. He will need a few years to develop in the minors, but an advanced hitting approach could get him to the big leagues sooner than expected.
Henry Davis Selected by Pirates with No. 1 Overall Pick in 2021 MLB Draft
Jul 11, 2021
Louisville's Henry Davis (32) runs the bases during an NCAA baseball game on Friday, March 19, 2021, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
The Pittsburgh Pirates hope they've found their catcher of the future.
Pittsburgh selected catcher Henry Davis with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2021 MLB draft on Sunday. The backstop from the University of Louisville is a potential foundational piece for the National League Central club, although the pick was still something of a surprise with players such as Marcelo Mayer and Jack Leiter available.
We got him!
With the first pick in the 2021 #MLBDraft, we have selected catcher Henry Davis from the University of Louisville. pic.twitter.com/tR7ytO2wIB
Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors noted Davis is the fifth player selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Pirates, and he joins the likes of Jeff King (1986), Kris Benson (1996), Bryan Bullington (2002) and Gerrit Cole (2011).
Polishuk also suggested there may have been more under consideration than just the Louisville product's on-field skill with this pick:
However, since multiple reports have indicated the Pirates plan to spread out their bonus pool money, it's fair to assume their choice of Davis may be tied to a willingness on his part to agree to a bonus south of the $8,415,300 assigned slot value for the first overall pick. Any money saved in signing Davis will allow Pittsburgh to allocate more of its $14,394,000 draft bonus pool to its other picks within the first 10 rounds.
The first thing that jumps out about Davis' game is his arm behind the plate.
That should immediately translate to the professional level as he joins a division that already features catchers with formidable arms in Yadier Molina and Willson Contreras. From his perspective, Davis is already looking ahead to what he needs to improve around his arm.
"I'm going to reach my potential defensively," he said, per Alexis Brudnicki of Baseball America. "I'm not close to it yet. I can be a very, very good defensive catcher, and I'm already there throwing-wise. I'm close blocking, and I'm only going to continue to make progress behind the plate."
MLB.com ranked the newest member of the Pirates as the fifth-best prospect in the 2021 draft behind Mayer, Leiter, Jordan Lawlar and Kahlil Watson.
He slashed .370/.482/.663 with 15 home runs and 10 stolen bases this past season and projects to be a force offensively in addition to his ability to throw out base stealers.
If he lives up to that potential, he can help turn things around in Pittsburgh for a team that has not made the playoffs since 2015.
The first 36 picks of the 2021 MLB draft are in the books. Louisville catcher Henry Davis went No. 1 overall to the Pittsburgh Pirates, immediately shaking up draft boards that ...
For the first time, the Major League Baseball draft will be held on All-Star Weekend. Typically, the top high school and collegiate prospects in the country are chosen in June and some are at their first minor league destinations by now...
2021 MLB Mock Draft: 1st-Round Predictions for Most Coveted Baseball Prospects
Jul 11, 2021
Vanderbilt pitcher Jack Leiter throws during the first inning against Mississippi State in Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals, Monday, June 28, 2021, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
The future stars of Major League Baseball will learn their fate Sunday night when the first round of the 2021 MLB draft commences.
This year's draft will be held in Denver in conjunction with the MLB All-Star festivities, making it an even bigger event than usual.
While the 20-round draft will run through Tuesday, most of the top prospects will come off the board Sunday night as part of the 29-pick first round.
Here is a full rundown of predictions for each of the 29 first-round picks, along with a closer look at some of the prospects who figure to hear their names called quite early in the night by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Los Angeles Angels: Sal Frelick, OF, Boston College
New York Mets: Ty Madden, RHP, Texas
Washington Nationals: ColtonCowser, OF, Sam Houston State
Seattle Mariners: Matt McLain, SS, UCLA
Philadelphia Phillies: Benny Montgomery, OF, Red Land HS (Pennsylvania)
San Francisco Giants: Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State
Milwaukee Brewers: Sam Bachman, RHP, Miami Ohio
Miami Marlins: Harry Ford, C, North Cobb HS (Georgia)
Cincinnati Reds: Andrew Painter, RHP, Calvary Christian Academy (Florida)
St. Louis Cardinals: Bubba Chandler, RHP/SS, North Oconee HS (Georgia)
Toronto Blue Jays: Anthony Solometo, LHP, Bishop Eustace Prep (New Jersey)
New York Yankees: Joe Mack, C, Williamsville East HS (New York)
Chicago Cubs: Will Bednar, RHP, Mississippi State
Chicago White Sox: Jud Fabian, OF, Florida
Cleveland: GunnarHoglund, RHP, Ole Miss
Atlanta Braves: Colson Montgomery, 3B, Southridge HS (Indiana)
Oakland Athletics: Michael McGreevy, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
Minnesota Twins: Will Taylor, OF, Dutch Fork HS (South Carolina)
San Diego Padres: Gavin Williams, RHP, East Carolina
Tampa Bay Rays: Chase Petty, RHP, Mainland HS (New Jersey)
Los Angeles Dodgers: Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest
Breaking Down Top Projected Picks
Marcelo Mayer
The Pittsburgh Pirates have the look of a team that is years away from contention, and as such, they can afford to take a chance on perhaps the highest-upside player in the entire draft at No. 1 overall.
Shortstop Marcelo Mayer is just 18 years of age, but the California high schooler has everything teams tend to look for in a cornerstone player.
In addition to being a solid defender, Mayer has a big bat and plenty of raw power that could result in him becoming a home run hitter at the big league level.
Baseball America provided a look at Mayer's sweet swing and the easy power he possesses to all fields:
Marcelo Mayer is headed to the Pirates No. 1 overall in our latest mock.
If that happens?
That'd make @EHSBALL the first high school EVER with two No. 1 picks (Adrian Gonzalez, 2000).
Jones is a Hall of Fame third baseman who was an eight-time All-Star, one-time National League MVP and one-time World Series champion.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest switch-hitters in MLB history, Jones hit .303 with 468 home runs and 1,623 RBI for his career.
Mayer is a lefty-hitting shortstop rather than a switch-hitting third baseman, but the size and power are undoubtedly there, and he has a chance to be the superstar player the Pirates desperately need if they take him first overall.
Jack Leiter
The Texas Rangers have lost some talented and accomplished starting pitchers via free agency and trade over the past couple of seasons, including Lance Lynn, Mike Minor and Corey Kluber.
Nobody selected in the 2021 MLB draft will be able to step in and help immediately at the big league level, but Vanderbilt ace Jack Leiter may be the most MLB-ready pitcher in the entire class.
Leiter, who is the 21-year-old son of three-time World Series-winning and two-time MLB All-Star pitcher Al Leiter, is entering the draft on the heels of a remarkable season at Vandy.
In 18 starts this season, Leiter went 11-4 with a 2.13 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. He also compiled an impressive 179 strikeouts in just 110 innings.
The 6'1" righty possesses electric stuff, especially when it comes to his breaking pitches, as seen in these videos courtesy of the Rob Friedman, the Pitching Ninja:
It seems likely that the top of the draft will largely be populated by high school players because of their upside, but passing up a talent like Leiter would likely be tough for Texas to do.
An ace pitcher could go a long way toward getting the Rangers back in the playoff conversation in the coming years, and Leiter undoubtedly has the potential to be precisely that.
Given what he accomplished at Vanderbilt and his pedigree as the son of a successful MLB pitcher, Leiter checks all the boxes to be one of the top selections in the 2021 draft.
Jordan Lawlar
Like Mayer, Jordan Lawlar is a toolsy high school shortstop who likely won't have to wait long before learning his landing spot Sunday.
The 6'2" Lawlar is a speedster with plus fielding skills and the ability to hit for a high average, as evidenced by his production at Jesuit Dallas in 2021.
During his senior season, Lawlar hit .412 with six home runs and 32 stolen bases on 32 attempts. He also showed great patience, walking 27 times despite having just 97 at-bats.
The one area in which Lawlar is lagging behind Mayer is clearly in the power department, but Baseball America still ranked him as the top player in the 2021 draft despite his power deficiency:
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) July 1, 2021
Baseball America noted that the sky is the limit for Lawlar if he is able to develop more power as time goes one, and there is reason to believe he can given his frame and measurables.
The Detroit Tigers own the No. 3 overall pick in the MLB draft, and they have a massive need for quality, high-ceiling hitters in their pipeline.
Much like the Pirates, it is going to take some time before the Tigers are in the playoff mix, and Lawlar is the type of player who could help lead the charge in the same vein as Mayer.
It may tempt the Tigers to take a soon-to-be-MLB-ready arm like Vanderbilt's Kumar Rocker, but given some of the young pitching talent they already have, going for the home run pick of Lawlar makes the most sense.
MLB Draft 2021: Selection Order and Predictions for 1st-Round Baseball Prospects
Jul 11, 2021
Vanderbilt pitcher Jack Leiter throws during the first inning against Mississippi State in Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals, Monday, June 28, 2021, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Teams across baseball will look for future stars and impact players in the first round of the 2021 MLB draft.
This year's draft will take place alongside the MLB All-Star festivities in Denver, with the first round set for July 11. It should provide an opportunity for some struggling teams to find talent to turn things around, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Texas Rangers.
With a draft full of exciting college pitchers and high school position players, many teams should come away pleased with their haul of prospects.
There has already been debate over the draft strategy of the Pittsburgh Pirates, projecting that they could target someone to sign under slot in order to build more depth in the farm system.
"It's also very clear we need to get the most possible talent we can out of the entire draft this year," general manager Ben Cherington told 93.7 The Fan (h/t Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune). "Our job is to get the most possible talent we can with the pool amount we have."
Benz projected this means skipping the more prominent Jack Leiter and instead targeting either high school shortstop Marcelo Mayer or Louisville catcher Henry Davis.
The good news for Pirates fans is Mayer might be the top prospect in the class anyway.
The California native is rated as the No. 1 player in the class by MLB.com and Baseball America.
Mayer has the defensive talent to remain at shortstop and a quality approach at the plate, which could make him a two-way star up the middle in a few years.
2 Vanderbilt Pitchers Taken in Top 5
Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker are arguably the two top pitching prospects in the class, and it would be a surprise if they lasted long in the first round.
Some might have been turned off by Rocker's showing in the final game of the year. The 6'5" starter allowed five runs (four earned) in an eventual 9-0 loss to Mississippi State in the decisive Game 3 of the College World Series.
Of course, this is still not enough to cancel out the rest of the season for Rocker, which included a 2.73 ERA with 179 strikeouts in 122 innings. His production should translate to the next level and is a relatively safe pick early in the draft.
Leiter, meanwhile, was even better this year with a 2.13 ERA and just a .129 batting average against.
While the right-hander will almost certainly be taken with the first few picks, the Boston Red Sox definitely won't let him get past four if he reaches that point.
Jud Fabian Becomes Draft's Biggest Sleeper
The MLB draft is full of risk, but the key is finding players who can be difference-makers at the next level. Jud Fabian could fit that description, even if he isn't picked until the end of the first round or later.
The question marks are clear as the Florida product hit just .249 over his NCAA career. Without great speed and four errors in the outfield this season, there is a lot of pressure on the player to succeed at the plate.
On the other hand, Fabian has as much power as anyone in the class after hitting 20 home runs this season for the Gators.
𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 ‘𝒆𝒎 💣💣💣💣
The Gators go deep 4️⃣ times including 2️⃣ from Jud Fabian, who becomes just the fifth player in Florida baseball history to hit 2️⃣0️⃣ homers in one season. #GoGatorspic.twitter.com/4EprxoHq9E
— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) May 16, 2021
He has a good approach at the plate, walking 40 times in 59 games this season, and he has the talent to continue hitting at a high level professionally.
Perhaps most importantly, Fabian is still just 20 years old, making him one of the youngest players in the class with college experience. With proven production and high upside going forward, there could be a lot of value in taking the outfielder early.
Kumar Rocker was one of the most dominant college baseball pitchers of the last decade, but when the 2021 MLB draft starts on Sunday, he will not be at the top of the draft board...
Welcome to Bleacher Report's final 2021 MLB mock draft 4.0! We published our first mock draft of the year May 12 while the high school and college seasons were still in full swing...
