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Brent Rooker latest piece on edge of Oakland A’s roster

By David Hill

Aug 23, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Brent Rooker (55) bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Brent Rooker (55) bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s quest to find anything that could give the lineup a jolt has led to another move on the edge of the 40 man roster.

This time, the A’s have brought in another outfielder. Brent Rooker was acquired off of waivers from the Royals on Thursday as the A’s continue to look for more pop in the lineup.

Oakland A’s giving Brent Rooker a chance

Rooker did have some prospect buzz early in his professional career. He was the 35th overall selection in the 2017 MLB Draft, moving quickly through the minors as he was in Triple-A for the 2019 season. He showed plenty of power during that run, eventually making his major league debut in 2020, collecting six hits, including a homer and two doubles, in 21 plate appearances.

Unfortunately, that has been the high point of his time in the majors. Rooker has posted a .190/.281/.362 batting line in his 249 major league plate appearances since the start of 2021. While he did hit nine homes and 11 doubles in that time, he also struck out 81 times. His power has intrigued enough where he has been with the Twins, Padres, and Royals in that time, but he has not done enough to stick in the majors.

At the same time, Rooker does not have much left to prove in the minors. He has a .274/.387/.590 batting line in his 906 plate appearances in Triple-A, hitting 62 homers and 51 doubles. His contact rates have been much better as well, as he has struck out just 278 times with 119 walks.

The A’s may be Rooker’s last chance to prove that he is not a Quad-A player. They could use depth in the outfield and need more power in the lineup after last season. While Rooker may end up at first or a designated hitter spot due to his questionable glovework in the outfield, he should get a chance to prove himself with the A’s in 2023.

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The Oakland A’s are taking a chance on Brent Rooker. Considering their lack of firepower, his power potential is worth a look.