Oakland Athletics Secure Contract Extension with Brent Rooker
The Oakland Athletics and slugger Brent Rooker have finalized a new contract agreement valued at $60 million over a five-year period, as reported by sources familiar with the situation. This contract includes a sixth-year option that could be worth an additional $22 million, with the potential for further increases based on performance metrics.
Last season, Rooker, a 30-year-old designated hitter, showcased his offensive prowess by hitting 39 home runs and recording 112 RBIs, all while maintaining a .293 batting average in an overall challenging season for the Athletics, who finished with a record of 69-93. The organization had prioritized securing Rooker’s contract extension as early as December, and General Manager David Forst acknowledged the positive discussions between the player’s agent and the team, according to insights from Martín Gallegos of MLB.
Athletics' manager Mark Kotsay previously expressed the team's intent to re-sign Rooker, highlighting the player's significant contributions and remarkable journey. Kotsay remarked on Rooker’s resilience, stating that the player's ability to establish himself as a crucial component of the Athletics’ offense is commendable. Kotsay conveyed enthusiasm regarding Rooker's future with the organization following a successful two-season tenure.