The Mets did not sign Kumar Rocker after selecting him 10th overall in the 2021 draft because their doctors detected shoulder and elbow issues after reviewing medical records (though Rocker’s doctors said he would be fine). And while Rocker has since required shoulder and elbow surgeries, he is emerging as a potential star for the Rangers.
Rocker struck out seven in his four-inning debut after posting a 2.80 ERA in the minor leagues for Texas, which surprised people by selecting him No. 3 overall the year after the Mets waived him.
The extra pick the Mets received was used on catcher Kevin Parada, who is still struggling in Double-A (.663 OPS).
One fun story is the Nationals trying to re-sign Juan Soto. And one opposing GM pointed out that it makes sense, not only because they were his original team that offered him $440 million before trading him for five top prospects, but also because the Nationals have Patrick Corbin (who makes a staggering $35 million) coming off the bench, and Soto, at 25, fits in with their excellent young positional core.
From here, though, the Nats look like a longshot, as win-first owner Ted Lerner was replaced by his budget-conscious son Mark Lerner.
The Phillies are a serious team that could make sense. But an even better option for them could be center fielder Cody Bellinger if he opts out (the current guess is that he might not, as he has $52.5 million to play through 2026, plus another key opt-out).
Like most, the Braves love Soto, but if you look at their track record, they've never spent big (they haven't even decided to sign Shohei Ohtani).
Almost any team would covet a 25-year-old superstar (except the Marlins and White Sox), but if he leaves the Yankees for the National League East, the Mets would seem the most likely destination.
