In a surprising late-night development, the A’s have made a significant move by securing Designated Hitter to a major five-year contract extension, as reported by Ken Rosenthal.
Ken is one of the most reliable voices in baseball, so if he’s reporting this, it’s likely finalized. While we’re still awaiting official confirmation from the team, it should come soon. The reported deal is worth $60 million over five years, with a vesting option for a sixth year at $22 million.
This extension ensures the A’s best hitter remains with the team for years to come. He joined the Athletics just last season after a challenging start to his career with the Twins, Padres, and Royals. Since then, he’s become an All-Star and a vital part of both the lineup and clubhouse.
Over the past two seasons, he’s emerged as one of the top hitters in the American League, boasting a .272/.348/.528 slash line with 69 home runs. He’s excelled against both right- and left-handed pitching, making him a consistent force at the plate.
Early in the offseason, there was speculation that Rooker might be traded, but this extension puts those rumors to rest. The A’s have shifted gears this offseason, making notable moves to return to contention and address concerns from the Players Union. Following the Luis Severino signing, they’ve added Jeffrey Springs, signed Gio Urshela, and now extended Rooker. It’s been a busy winter, and they could still explore the free-agent reliever market.
If this deal holds, Rooker will remain in the Green & Gold when the team transitions to Las Vegas. Having played for the A’s in three different cities, he now looks poised to be a cornerstone of their next playoff team—hopefully sooner rather than later.
UPDATE: MLB.com’s Athletics beat writer, Martin Gallegos, has since confirmed the deal.
Can confirm A’s have reached an agreement with Brent Rooker on a five-year, $60 million contract extension that keeps him with the club through the 2029 season. @Ken_Rosenthal was on it first.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) January 7, 2025
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