Rangers Name Rocker, Leiter to 2025 Rotation

Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter, both former Vanderbilt University standouts, have been named to the Texas Rangers' opening day rotation for the 2025 MLB season. Rocker, drafted third overall in 2022, made a rapid ascent through the minors after returning from Tommy John surgery and concluded the previous season with the Rangers. Leiter, the second overall pick in 2021, showcased improvement in spring training with a 3.48 ERA, incorporating a refined pitch arsenal. Despite past challenges, both pitchers are seen as critical to the Rangers' rotation, particularly with the absence of injured starters Cody Bradford and Jon Gray. Rocker will start the Rangers' first road game against the Cincinnati Reds, while Leiter is set for the second game against Boston. Both players are expected to face developmental challenges but are viewed as competitive assets with potential for growth.