The Oakland Athletics have continued their path of spending this offseason as they secure yet, another all-star. The team announced late last night that they have agreed to terms with Brent Rooker on a five-year, $60 million extension.
In the 2024 season, Brent Rooker proved his worth as a powerful hitter, boasting an impressive batting average of .293. He tallied 39 home runs and drove in 112 runs, establishing himself as one of the most dependable bats in the entire MLB. Rooker's knack for performing in clutch situations has only enhanced his value to the team, making this contract extension a real promising one to ensure some security in the Athletic's uncertain future.
It is difficult to not recognize all of the turmoil that the Athletics' Organization has had over the past decade, including their pre-historic stadium, lack of talent and the owner's unwillingness to pay his star players. They look to leave that all behind them in Oakland as they tread forward on the team's relocation to Sin City. As the A's facility deal with the Oakland Coliseum was not renewed following the 2024 season, their temporary home will remain in the state's capital, Sacramento.
The team has a couple of years before their new stadium is completed. In the meantime, they hope that Brent Rooker can be one of the key selling points in keeping fans' loyalty with the Athletics and demonstrate that they are willing to sign star players. This signing follows the Athletics' signing of former all-star, Luis Severino to a 3yr, 67 million dollar deal earlier this offseason. Severino's contract prior to the Rooker extension, was the A's largest contract to date. It is evident that since out of Oakland, the A's are ready to play some true moneyball.
