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The A’s have agreed to a five-year, $60MM extension with designated hitter Brent Rooker, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic. The deal also includes a vesting option for a sixth season that could increase the total value to $90MM with escalators. Jeff Passan of ESPN notes that the option has a base value of $22MM, and Rooker will earn $30MM over the first three seasons of the deal, covering his arbitration years and buying out at least two free agent seasons.
This is a significant investment for the A’s, who have had a busy offseason. Rooker is the first player to sign a five-year deal with the club since Trevor Cahill in 2011. Additionally, this is the team’s second major signing this winter, following the addition of Luis Severino on a three-year, $67MM contract, the largest in franchise history.
Rooker’s journey to this contract was unlikely just two years ago when he was claimed off waivers by the A’s. Since then, he has become one of baseball’s best hitters, earning an All-Star selection in 2023 and putting up impressive numbers last season, including 39 home runs and a .293/.365/.562 batting line.
Despite some swing-and-miss in his game, Rooker has established himself as a middle-of-the-order presence with elite offensive production over the past two seasons. The A’s have shown their commitment to him by securing his services through at least the 2029 season.
While there is some risk in a five-year deal for a player in his 30s, Rooker’s performance and potential arbitration numbers made this extension a wise move for both parties. It not only provides him with security but also solidifies his place in the A’s lineup alongside other promising offensive talents.
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