The Boston Red Sox will have some intriguing options in the upcoming 2021 MLB Draft as they'll have the fourth overall pick.
One of those potential options is Vanderbilt right-hander Kumar Rocker, who's widely considered the No. 2 pitching prospect in the draft after fellow Commodores hurler Jack Leiter.
Leiter, also a possibility for the Red Sox at No. 4, led Vanderbilt to victory in Game 1 of the College World Series final vs. Mississippi State. The Bulldogs bounced back with a convincing 13-2 win to force a decisive Game 3.
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Rocker got the start for Vandy and was chased from the game after allowing five runs (four earned) in 4 1/3 innings.
Here was Rocker's final stat line for the night:
4.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 Ks, 91 pitches
Boston Red Sox
Not the way he hoped his college career would end, but Rocker's overall body of work speaks for itself. He entered Wednesday night's action with a 14-3 record and 2.52 ERA this season to go with 173 strikeouts in 117 2/3 innings. We'll just have to wait and see whether his rough outing will have any impact on his draft stock.
If the Red Sox do select Rocker, it'll likely be because Leiter is already off the board. Boston and Leiter have been connected in numerous mock drafts and projections over the last month.
The 2021 MLB Draft is set to begin July 11.