It’s no surprise that the Oakland Athletics are as bad as they are this season. They have yet to win ten games, their pitching staff has a combined ERA of 7.46, none of their starters have registered a win, Oakland is at the bottom of the league offensively, and worst of all the A’s are in last place in attendance. While there is plenty wrong with the Athletics, Brent Rooker is having a breakout season. He has been a bright light on this dismal team.
Brent Rooker’s Long Journey To Becoming Oakland’s Breakout Star
Brent Rooker has been somewhat of a journeyman since being promoted to the show. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins and eventually made his debut with them late in the 2020 season. He would play for them during the 2021 season where he appeared in 58 games. During the 2021 season, Rooker would hit .201 with nine home runs, and 16 RBI, and have an OPS of .688 for the Twins.
In early April of 2022, the Twins would trade the young outfielder and first baseman to the San Diego Padres. However, Rooker would only appear in seven games for San Diego and not register a hit. In August of that same season, Rooker would once again be traded except this time to the Kansas City Royals. With the Royals, Rooker appeared in 14 games, and he hit just .160 with no home runs, two RBI, and an OPS of .476. Rooker finished 2022 appearing in 16 games hitting .125 with no home runs, two RBI, and an OPS of .378.
This past offseason, the 28-year-old Rooker was claimed by the Oakland Athletics off waivers. This could easily be viewed as Rooker’s last chance to make an impact at the Major League level. Rooker was essentially brought into backup Seth Brown. However, Brown has only appeared in eight games and is currently on the injured list with a strained oblique. Brown won’t return for four to six weeks.
Brent Rooker Is The Athletics Diamond In The Rough
While Brown has been out, Rooker has taken advantage of his extended playing time. So far in 2023, Brent Rooker has been having a career year in Oakland. He is currently hitting .320 with nine home runs, 22 RBI, and an OPS of 1.143. His 1.143 is currently a league best He also leads the Athletics in most major offensive categories. Recently, he closed out April as the American League Player of the Week.
Long Term Future With The A’s?
While the Oakland Athletics are having an awful season, one person to pay attention to is Brent Rooker. Whenever a team is going through tough times, there is always a bright spot on those teams. Rooker is proving that he is somebody for Athletics fans to get excited to watch whenever they feel like going to the Coliseum. If Rooker keeps up his solid play, he might be a part of the A’s long-term future. While Oakland may be having a nightmare of a season, Brent Rooker gives fans something to hang their hats on.
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