Brent Rooker
Terry Brent Rooker Jr. is an American professional baseball designated hitter and outfielder for the Athletics of Major League Baseball. He has previously played in MLB for the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, and Kansas City Royals. He made his MLB debut in 2020. Rooker was selected to the 2023 [Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2023 MLB All-Star Game] and won the American League Silver Slugger Award at designated hitter in 2024. He was again named an All-Star in 2025.
Early life
Terry Brent Rooker Jr. was born on November 1, 1994, in Germantown, Tennessee. Rooker attended Evangelical Christian School in Memphis, Tennessee.College career
Rooker enrolled at Mississippi State University to play college baseball for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Rooker redshirted for the 2014 [Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team|2014 season]. He played in 34 games in Mississippi State Bulldogs [baseball">Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball">Mississippi State Bulldogs [baseball team|2015], hitting.257/.325/.378 with two home runs and 12 runs batted in. In 2016, he helped lead the Bulldogs to an Southeastern Conference championship, hitting.324/.376/.578 with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs. In 2016, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League, and was named a league all-star.In 2017, Rooker was named Collegiate Baseball national Player of the Year and SEC Player of the Year after leading the conference with a.387 batting average, 23 home runs, and 82 RBIs, winning only the second triple crown in SEC history, along with a.495 on base percentage,.810 slugging percentage, 30 doubles, and 18 stolen bases. He also won the C Spire Ferriss Trophy, given to Mississippi's top college baseball player.
Professional career
Draft and minor leagues
The Minnesota Twins selected Rooker with the 35th overall selection of the 2017 [Major League Baseball draft|2017 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft]. He signed with the Twins for a $1.935 million signing bonus. Rooker was assigned to the Elizabethton Twins and was later promoted to the Fort Myers Miracle. In 62 games between both clubs, he batted.281/.364/.566 with 18 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a.930 OPS.Rooker spent 2018 with the Chattanooga Lookouts. He batted.254/.333/.465 with 22 home runs, 79 RBIs, 32 doubles, and 150 strikeouts in 130 games. He spent 2019 with the Rochester Red Wings, earning International League All-Star honors. Over 65 games, he hit.281/.398/.535 with 14 home runs and 47 RBIs.
Minnesota Twins (2020–2021)
On September 4, 2020, Rooker was promoted to the major leagues for the first time and made his major league debut that day against the Detroit Tigers.San Diego Padres (2022)
On April 7, 2022, the Twins traded Rooker, Taylor Rogers, and cash considerations to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Chris Paddack, Emilio Pagán, and a player to be named later.Kansas City Royals (2022)
On August 2, 2022, the Padres traded Rooker to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Cam Gallagher. In 14 games for Kansas City, he batted.160/.276/.200 with 2 RBI. On November 15, Rooker was designated for assignment by the Royals.Oakland Athletics / Athletics (2023–present)
2023
On November 17, 2022, Rooker was claimed off outright waivers by the Oakland Athletics. He earned a spot on the team out of spring training. On May 1, 2023, Rooker was named the AL Player of the Week after going 10 for 24 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs from April 24 through 30. In July, Rooker was named to the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game as a reserve. He was the team's sole representative. Entering the game as a replacement to Randy Arozarena and playing left field, Rooker went 1–2 with a double.He led the A's in home runs, RBIs, OPS, games played, at-bats, total bases and strikeouts. He tied with Esteury Ruiz for the team-lead in hits. He led the American League in strikeout percentage, while batting.246/.329/.488.