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GM: Athletics Plan to Keep Former All-Star

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Despite the Athletics‘ 2023 All-Star Brent Rooker having been on the trade block, the A’s plan to hold onto the 30-year-old. A’s general manager David Forst stated they will be keeping Rooker, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Rooker sported a .293 batting average with 39 home runs, 160 hits, 112 RBI, and 11 stolen bases.

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Athletics Slugger Brent Rooker Will Not Be Traded, per GM

Whether the A’s were ever really considering trading Rooker is questionable. The Athletics organization contains a young core led by the 30-year-old. While he has experience in five big league seasons, 2024 was only his second full campaign. With the A’s planning to keep Rooker, teams such as the Boston Red Sox that had their eye on him will have to change their plans. The idea of the Athletics building around Rooker sets a solid foundation for the team, as Rooker is a talented slugger who can set the tone. This was recognized in 2024, as he was named a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award.  This award is given to the player who exemplifies the best offensive play in each league.

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Rooker was initially drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 38th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Back on May 4th Rooker achieved the tough feat of hitting two home runs in one inning. It’s no wonder that the New York Yankees were also in talks of acquiring him if he remained on the trading block. Rooker, along with A’s teammate Shea Langeliers have both been nominated for the Silver Slugger Award. Rooker is certainly deserving of the award as a designated hitter and has more home runs, RBI, and a better WAR than fellow DH finalist Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros. Alvarez is looking to gain his second Silver Slugger Award. The other finalist at DH is Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees. The winners will be announced on November 12.

 

Photo Credit: © Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The post GM: Athletics Plan to Keep Former All-Star appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.