Elephant Rumblings: A’s to keep Rooker, per Forst

MLB news roundup

Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!

Good news came from this year’s General Managers Meetings yesterday. John Heyman at the New York Post tweeted that A’s GM David Forst has put trade rumors surrounding top slugger Brent Rooker to rest.

Rooker was the A’s best hitter by far in 2024, slashing .293/.365/.562 with 39 home runs, 112 RBI, and a stupendous 164 wRC+. The A’s truly struck gold with Rooker, who was claimed off waivers from the Royals in 2022. Since then, Brent has hit at least 30 homers in both full seasons with the A’s.

Rooker was the A’s MVP this year with 5.1 fWAR despite being confined to a designated hitter role the whole season. Last month, it was revealed that Rooker underwent surgery on a forearm extensor injury, which was also cited as a reason for keeping him away from defensive duties. Brent is no wizard in the outfield, but he is capable of providing depth at left field to add to his value.

Now, the A’s haven’t always held true to stated intentions (cough cough Vegas cough), and there certainly is some unlikely offer for The Rook that I myself would probably accept, but Forst’s statement sounds pretty affirmative and I’ll hold out hope for a third season of Brent Rooker with the A’s. That’s worth a cheer.

A’s Coverage:

• A’s GM: “We’re Going To Keep [Brent Rooker]”
• The Athletics claim righty reliever from Miami Marlins
• A’s claim reliever from Tampa Bay Rays

MLB News & Interest:

• Shohei Ohtani Undergoes Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery, Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
• The case for — and against — each of the Classic Baseball Era Hall of Fame candidates ($)
• New Giants boss Buster Posey begins his first GM meetings: ‘I’m sure we’ll be busy’ ($)
• Blue Jays Believed To Have Gotten Under Luxury Tax Threshold
• Padres, Manager Mike Shildt Finalizing Contract Extension
• Rangers Hire Skip Schumaker As Senior Advisor; Expected To Hire Luis Urueta As Bench Coach
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

Coliseum being groomed for soccer.