As every major scouting service has done, MLB.com has predicted the Pirates will take Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker with the number-one overall draft choice in June.
Rocker is a 6-5, 250-pound right hander from Montgomery, Alabama. Quoting MLB.com, “His fastball and slider can be wipeout pitches, though he still can polish his changeup, command and delivery.” He is 14-6 with a 3.06 ERA in two college seasons, although the pandemic cut short last season after he had made only three starts.
While the website projects Rocker No. 1, it also says, “He’s by no means a lock and could be passed as the best college pitcher by Louisiana State’s Jaden Hill or even the best Vanderbilt arm by Jack Leiter.”
The Pirates have had the top overall choice four times in the past and have only mixed results. Jeff King was a decent Major League hitter and Gerrit Cole has turned into a superstar (albeit with the Yankees). Pitchers Kris Benson and Bryan Bullington were duds as No. 1 choices.
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