Why Has Rangers’ Highly-Touted Prospect Seen a Sharp Decline in Top-100 Rankings?
The Texas Rangers’ top pitching prospect, Kumar Rocker, has experienced a significant drop in the latest Top 100 rankings, raising questions about his future.
Rocker, who was drafted in the first round by the Rangers in 2022 to join his former Vanderbilt teammate, Jack Leiter, in Texas’ rotation, has faced challenges early in his career. Currently on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement, there’s a chance he won’t be back on the mound in the Majors until June, depending on his recovery.
While the Rangers have high hopes for Rocker as part of their long-term rotation, the 2024 season has been difficult for him, especially in terms of his ranking.
Why Rocker Dropped in the Prospect Rankings
Before his shoulder injury, Rocker’s performance had been inconsistent enough for Baseball America to drop him from No. 20 in their preseason Top 100 to No. 61. The publication noted that Rocker’s shoulder issue added “further durability concerns” to his stock.
Rocker remains a prospect by Baseball America’s standards, as he hasn’t yet surpassed the thresholds for MLB experience — 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched, or 30 pitching appearances.
Injuries have been a key factor in Rocker’s decline. After suffering an elbow injury early in his professional career in 2023, he required Tommy John surgery and spent much of that year and part of 2024 recovering. Upon his return, he exceeded expectations in the minors.
In 10 games in 2024, Rocker posted a 1.96 ERA, striking out 55 batters and walking just five over 36.2 innings. His impressive performance led the Rangers to promote him for a couple of MLB starts before the 2024 season ended.
However, in three MLB starts, Rocker struggled, going 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA, striking out 14 and walking six in 11.2 innings. The Rangers hoped this experience would lead to improvements in 2025.
Spring training didn’t go smoothly for Rocker, but injuries and his previous performance earned him a spot in the rotation. Unfortunately, he’s struggled in 2025, posting a 1-3 record with an 8.10 ERA. His lone win came at home, where he’s performed much better than on the road. In his two home starts, he allowed just four earned runs, while in three road games, he gave up 15.
This combination of struggles has led to a significant drop in Rocker’s stock in Baseball America’s eyes.
While the Rangers aren’t rushing Rocker’s return, they would certainly like to see him back soon.
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