The Oakland Athletics are not expected to be major sellers before the upcoming MLB trade deadline, indicating that key players like star outfielder Brent Rooker might remain with the team.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the A’s are hesitant to trade Rooker and fellow outfielder JJ Bleday, suggesting there won’t be a significant sale of their roster’s core players.
The potential for trades is further reduced by the injury of another key player, All-Star closer Mason Miller, who is currently sidelined with a fractured pinkie.
Brent Rooker, previously a journeyman, has found substantial success with the Athletics. After stints with the Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, and San Diego Padres, Rooker had a breakout season last year in Oakland, setting career highs in several statistical categories. His performance included 30 home runs, 69 RBIs, and a .246/.329/.488 slash line over 137 games, securing his spot in the Athletics’ lineup for the current season.
This season, Rooker has continued to excel, even surpassing his previous year’s performance. Through 91 games, he has achieved a .288 batting average, .365 on-base percentage, and .583 slugging percentage, with 25 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Despite not being named an All-Star, Rooker has solidified his status as one of the American League’s top hitters. Additionally, his relatively low salary of $750,000 and arbitration eligibility through 2027 make him a valuable asset for the Athletics.
The Athletics have exceeded expectations this season, with a 43-63 record and a recent streak of seven wins in their last nine games. Rooker has been a pivotal factor in their success, particularly with an impressive performance in July, batting .389 with 10 home runs and 25 RBIs. JJ Bleday has also contributed significantly, with 11 home runs, 36 RBIs, and an AL-leading 30 doubles, demonstrating his value to the team.
With the Athletics preparing to relocate to Sacramento next season and eventually to Las Vegas, the organization has an incentive to maintain a competitive team to attract fans.
The recent positive performances by Rooker, Bleday, and Miller have made the team exciting to watch, and management appears inclined to keep this momentum rather than make major trades at this juncture.
