Brent Rooker just landed the biggest deal in Oakland Athletics history, agreeing to a five-year, $60 million contract that could grow even bigger.
It’s a pretty amazing turnaround for the 30-year-old slugger, who bounced around baseball before finding his home with the A’s last year.
And what a year it was. Rooker crushed 39 home runs and drove in 112 runs in 2024, hitting a stellar .293 while making his first All-Star team. He even finished 10th in MVP voting and took home a Silver Slugger Award.
The deal could actually reach $90 million if certain goals are met – making it the richest contract the A’s have ever handed out.
Rooker had minor elbow surgery this winter, but he’s expected to be ready when spring training starts.
This signing comes at a crucial time for the Athletics. They’re about to begin a major transition, moving to Sacramento for the 2025 season before eventually settling in Las Vegas in 2028.
The team’s building around some exciting young talent. Lawrence Butler showed real promise last year, and they’ve got a flame-throwing closer in Mason Miller. Add in promising players like Jacob Wilson, Shea Langeliers, Zack Gelof, and JJ Bleday, and there’s reason for hope.
The A’s haven’t just stood still this winter either. They’ve brought in veterans Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, and Gio Urshela to help turn things around.
They’ll need all the help they can get. The team finished fourth in the AL West last year with a 69-93 record. But here’s the thing – none of their division rivals (the Astros, Mariners, or Rangers) have made any huge moves this offseason.
There’s some drama behind the scenes, too. The players’ union recently raised concerns about whether the A’s are spending enough to meet the league’s requirements for teams receiving revenue sharing. Their estimated payroll for 2025 sits around $70 million before factoring in raises.
But for now, the focus is on Rooker, who’s gone from baseball journeyman to franchise cornerstone in just two years.
