Brent Rooker: A 2025 Season Retrospective
Let's rewind to the 2025 season and take a closer look at Brent Rooker's performance. How did this former All-Star and Silver Slugger shape up? It's time to delve into the details.
The Journey to Oakland
Rooker's path to the A's wasn't a straight line. Drafted twice by the Minnesota Twins – first in the 38th round in 2016, and then again in the 35th overall pick of the 2017 draft after he chose to stay at Mississippi State University. He bounced around, playing for the Twins, San Diego Padres, and Kansas City Royals before landing with the A's. The A's snagged him off waivers on November 17th after he was designated for assignment (DFA) by Kansas City on November 15th.
Expectations and Early Success
When Rooker joined the A's in 2023, he made an immediate impact. He earned American League Player of the Week honors early on. He was the team's sole All-Star representative, leading the team in seven offensive categories. He quickly established himself as a key hitter in the lineup.
2025: A Season in Review
Rooker's commitment to the A's was solidified with a five-year, $60 million contract extension. He demonstrated his durability by playing in all 162 games in 2025, which is quite impressive considering the challenges of playing in West Sacramento's heat. While his stats saw some decline, he wasn't the sole power source or run producer for the first time. He made his second All-Star team and even competed in the Home Run Derby.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the A's build a stronger supporting cast around Rooker, he's expected to remain a vital part of the lineup. He adjusted his swing, reducing his strikeouts and hitting fewer home runs compared to the previous year. But here's where it gets controversial: Will he return to his 2024 form, or is 2025 the new standard? As a 31-year-old veteran, the expectations are high for "Rook." What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
