PROSPECT: Kumar Rocker, SP, Texas Rangers
ANALYSIS: The Rangers owned the third overall pick in last summer's draft, but they had limited bonus pool funds, so while Kumar Rocker was a surprise pick to many when he signed for more than $2 million below slot, the pick made a lot more sense for the big Vanderbilt righty.
The Rangers saw what pushing Rocker's former teammate Jack Leiter too quickly did for him, so they slow-rolled Rocker, letting him make his pro debut in the Arizona Fall League, where he struggled with location, walking 12 in 14 innings. After that performance, Rocker beginning in High-A this season was locked in.
Rocker has responded well for Hickory, posting a 2.19 ERA and 0.81 WHIP over 12 1/3 innings. His fastball has been heavy and hard to drive, and his elite slider has been generating plenty of swing-and-miss, resulting in a 20/3 K/BB rate.
VERDICT: Rocker has struggled to show his top-end stuff that he featured as a collegian. His name value led to him being drafted in a number of FYPDs this offseason, but his value hasn't caught up with his talent quite yet. He could be a smart trade target in deep dynasty leagues, but wait until he's shown it at Double-A before buying in shallow leagues.
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