Prep Baseball Report

Top-10 Profiles of 2019: No. 8 Kumar Rocker


Phil Kerber
Georgia Scouting Director

One of the most highly sought after prospects in the 2018 class, RHP Kumar Rocker (North Oconee) made headlines in the 2019 NCAA Tournament when he struck out 19 batters and tossed a no-hitter against Duke in the super regionals. Rocker capped off his incredible freshman season by helping Vanderbilt win the 2019 College World Series. For his efforts, Rocker was named College World Series Most Outstanding Player, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.46 ERA. 

Rocker stands an imposing 6-foot-5, 259-pounds and is equipped with one of the most electric fastballs in all of college baseball, capable of reaching upper-90s. On top of all that, Rocker is equipped with power curve that is absolutely devastating. Given his abilities, Rocker is already racking up a long list of accolades, and one can imagine they will only continue to pile up. Come 2021 Rocker will no doubt be one of, if not the first name called in the 2021 MLB Draft.

No. 8: Kumar Rocker

Kumar Rocker

Class of 2018 / RHP

Player Information

  • Graduating Class: 2018
  • Primary Position: RHP
  • High School: North Oconee
    State: GA
  • Height: 6-5
    Weight: 245lbs
  • Bat/Throw: R/R

Statistics

Pitching
96
Max FB
92 - 95
FB
82 - 85
CB
87 - 89
CH

Scouting Report

5/3/18 - An imposing figure on the mound, the 6-foot-6, 260-pounder has very long arms and is a good athlete. As a scout, you love his size but struggle to find major league comparisons for his unique build. He has a clean arm that works out of high ¾ slot relying on angle over life. Although he ran his fastball into the mid-90’s in this one, Rocker pitched off of his breaking ball at 77-81.  He gets caught in between a curveball and slider at times, but flashes good shape and bite. The unteachables and upside are immense, but patience will be a large part of his development.

8/24/17 - Named to Team USA 18U team.

7/29/17 - 93-96 with finish. He showed two breaking balls at 82-83—one with sharp 12/6 break and depth and another with more tilt. He struck out one in his inning of work.

7/10/17 - Named to Team USA 18U trials roster.

6/27/17 - Started and went four innings, allowing no hits and two walks while striking out five. His fastball ranged form 91-95, sitting mostly at 92-94 with heavy, riding life that induced weak contact. His breaking ball was 82-84 with power, sharpness and depth. His changeup sat in the high 80s. Rocker is a Vanderbilt recruit and has a big, durable frame at 6-foot-5, 259 pounds.

7/2016 - The 6-foot-4, 233-pound Rocker is a monster on the mound, which is to say extremely physical, defined lower half, wide shoulders, long arms and, above all, athletic for his size. The ball comes out of his hand easily, as in it looks like he’s wrist-flicking 92-93 mph fastballs. You don’t need to have a Walt Disney-like imagination to think he will be tickling triple digits down the road. He also flashed some feel for his 76-79 slider, which was erratic in shape, but showed signs of being an effective pitch in the future. With all that said, Rocker struggled with the strike pitch in his stint and yielded a hit.


Videos

Kumar Rocker Ks - 3/2/18

Kumar Rocker - 6/27/17

Kumar Rocker 5-4-18 CF View

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