Why Kumar Rocker could win AL ROY in 2025

Rookies are historically unpredictable, but it's certainly fun to blue-sky about what they could bring to the table, and potentially win at the end of the season.

MLB.com recently suggested one Rookie of the Year candidate for each team, and starting pitcher Kumar Rocker was selected as the Texas Rangers' representative. Even though it will be a crowded field, the righty could make his case if given the the leeway to do so.

Any conversation regarding 2025 warrants a brief look at 2024. Rocker only made three starts last season, but was decent during the brief stint. He earned a 3.86 ERA across 11.2 innings of work and ranked in the 77th percentile in terms of Fastball Velocity.

Even after a lackluster home debut that saw him issue four walks in three innings, one teammate was still optimistic about the headspace Rocker manages to maintain despite setbacks.

"He seems pretty level-headed regardless of what happens,” Rangers catcher Carson Kelly said after Rocker's rough outing. “If it’s going good or going bad, I think that shows a lot about him as a person and as a competitor. It’s easy for a young guy to come up here and you see kind of a ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ moment. But for him, he just stayed on course and controlled what he could control.”

Why Kumar Rocker could win AL ROY in 2025

Rocker's competitive mindset must shine through if he has designs on taking home the hardware next season. Players such as New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez and Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery will be given chances to compete.

It is likely that the Watkinsville native will get a chance to join the Rangers' rotation this spring. Even if they are able to re-sign Nathan Eovaldi and also receive a healthy version of Jacob deGrom, Texas will need help towards the back-end.

Rocker will need to focus on fastball command this spring. His slider is dangerous, and it would become even more deadly if he could find consistency with his heater. Additionally, the Vanderbilt product will need to go deeper into games if he wants to establish himself as a true starter this season.

Rocker has already dealt with injury setbacks and performance concerns during his young career. While it is not known if he will be a serious contender for the AL Rookie of the Year Award just yet, it can be assumed that he'll enter the new year with much to prove.