In a stunning turn of events on Wednesday, Brent Rooker and the Oakland Athletics came to terms on a monumental $60 million, five-year contract. This deal, which includes a $22 million vesting option for the 2030 season and potential escalators that could bring the total value to a staggering $92 million over six seasons, marks a significant moment for both Rooker and the A’s organization.
Rooker, who was on the brink of swapping proposed arbitration salaries with the A’s, was also slated to be eligible for arbitration after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Furthermore, he could have potentially hit the free-agent market following the conclusion of the 2027 World Series. This new contract solidifies his future with the team and secures his spot in their lineup for years to come.
The signing of Rooker is just the latest in a series of high-profile moves made by the A’s this offseason. Just days prior, the team inked pitcher Luis Severino to a hefty $67 million, three-year deal – the largest contract in franchise history. Severino, a talented right-hander, also has the option to test free agency once again after the 2026 season, adding another layer of intrigue to the team’s plans for the future.
In addition to these player acquisitions, the A’s are also set to receive a significant boost in revenue sharing under the current collective bargaining agreement. For the first time since the agreement was implemented in 2022, the team will be entitled to 100% of the amount due under the revenue sharing formula. This development could have ripple effects throughout the league, as it puts additional pressure on teams to meet certain financial criteria in order to avoid potential grievances from players’ associations.
As the dust settles on these groundbreaking deals and the baseball world buzzes with excitement, one thing is clear – the Oakland Athletics are making bold moves in their quest for success, and the rest of the league is taking notice. This new era of prosperity and opportunity could be just what the A’s need to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in Major League Baseball.
