West Sacramento, California – Brent Rooker and the Athletics have come to an agreement on a five-year contract worth $60 million, finalized on Wednesday. This deal could reach a total of $92 million over six years if Rooker consistently places high in MVP voting.
Rooker’s contract includes a $10 million signing bonus, with salaries structured as follows: $2 million for the current year, $6 million for 2026, $12 million in 2027, $13 million in 2028, and $17 million in 2029. The Athletics also have a $22 million option for the 2030 season, which would become guaranteed if Rooker accumulates 900 or more plate appearances between 2028 and 2029 combined, or 500 or more in 2029, or if he finishes in the top 10 in MVP voting at least twice from 2027 to 2029.
Furthermore, each top 10 MVP finish from 2025 to 2029 would boost the 2030 option value by $1 million, with a $2 million increase for each top five finish. Rooker’s contract contains additional bonuses for awards as well.
Originally, Rooker was scheduled to exchange proposed arbitration salaries with the Athletics on Thursday. He would have been eligible for arbitration following the 2025 and 2026 seasons and had the opportunity to become a free agent after the 2027 World Series. This new contract secures Rooker’s place with the team until 2029, coinciding with the A’s anticipated move to Las Vegas. After leaving Oakland last season, the Athletics plan to spend the next three years playing in a minor league facility in West Sacramento, with a new stadium expected to open in Las Vegas by 2028.
Rooker, now 30, has emerged as one of the standout players for the Athletics since joining the roster in 2023. He posted impressive statistics last season, hitting .293 with 39 home runs, 112 RBIs, and an OPS of .927, which earned him a Silver Slugger award at designated hitter and a 10th place finish in the American League MVP voting. His inaugural season with the Athletics also featured 30 home runs and an OPS of .817, leading to an All-Star selection.
This signing marks another significant move for the Athletics during the offseason. Previously, they secured a three-year contract worth $67 million with pitcher Luis Severino, the largest deal in the history of the franchise. Severino has the option to opt out and re-enter free agency after the 2026 season. Following him, the club added third baseman Gio Urshela and left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs to their roster.
In line with the current collective bargaining agreement established in 2022, the Athletics will receive the full amount owed under the revenue-sharing formula for the first time. If a team’s luxury tax payroll does not reach at least 150% of its revenue-sharing receipts, the onus of proof for any grievances alleging violations would shift from the players’ association to the club.
Currently, outfielder Miguel Andujar remains the only player scheduled to negotiate arbitration salaries with the Athletics.
