Brent Rooker to Compete in Home Run Derby
Brent Rooker, the powerful slugger for the Athletics, is set to showcase his talents at the Home Run Derby. The announcement came Thursday, revealing his participation in the event scheduled for Monday in Atlanta.
This marks a significant moment for the Athletics, as Rooker will be the first player from the team to compete in the Derby since Matt Olson did so in 2021. "Competing in the Home Run Derby has always been a dream of mine," Rooker expressed in an Instagram post. "Can't wait to make it happen next week in Atlanta! See ya there!"
As of Thursday, Rooker boasts a .270 batting average, with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs this season. He is on track for his third consecutive season of hitting at least 30 home runs, having achieved 30 in 2023 and 39 in 2024.
His impressive total of 58 home runs since the beginning of the 2024 season places him third among all players in the American League. The Athletics have a storied history in the Derby, with only two players—Mark McGwire in 1992 and Yoenis Céspedes in 2013 and 2014—having claimed the title.
Rooker's participation adds to a competitive lineup that includes notable names such as Ronald Acuña Jr. from Atlanta, Byron Buxton from Minnesota, Junior Caminero from Tampa Bay, Oneil Cruz from Pittsburgh, Cal Raleigh from Seattle, and James Wood from Washington.
