The Athletics continued their post-Oakland spending spree on Monday night when they agreed to a five-year, $60 million extension with designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker, league sources told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
A vesting option could tack on a sixth year and would escalate the value of the deal to $90 million, which would be the largest in franchise history.
It’s a strong outcome for Rooker, 30, who emerged as one of baseball’s top hitters after arriving in Oakland before the 2023 season as an unheralded waiver claim following stints with three different organizations. He is coming off a 39-home run season with the A’s, who have been motivated to spend by more than mere competition.
Designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker in agreement with A’s on five-year, $60M extension, source tells @TheAthletic. Vesting option can take the deal to six years, $90M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 7, 2025
The lucrative extension fits a recent trend for the Athletics, who must increase their luxury tax payroll to around $105 million for next season to avoid a grievance from the Major League Baseball Players Association. The challenge would center on the team’s spending and the rules about revenue sharing.
Rooker’s deal follows a three-year, $67 million deal that the A’s lavished upon Luis Severino earlier this winter. For now, that pact remains the most lucrative in franchise history, edging out the $66 million contract extension that Eric Chavez signed in 2005.
The A’s are entering their first season of what’s expected to be a transition period in West Sacramento while the franchise’s ballpark is built in its new permanent home, Las Vegas.
More on the A’s
GO DEEPER
As Vegas stadium costs rise, bank vouches for Fisher family‘s ability to foot the bill
GO DEEPER
Athletics president Dave Kaval to step down after 8 tumultuous years
GO DEEPER
Even after Severino, A’s have to spend more this winter or risk fight with players’ union
(Photo: Godofredo A. Vásquez / Associated Press)
