In a landmark move that signals a new financial era for the franchise, the Oakland Athletics have secured power hitter Brent Rooker with a monumental contract extension. The deal, finalized on January 8, 2025, ties Rooker to the team for the long term and represents the most significant financial commitment in the club's history.
The Contract Breakdown: $60 Million Over Five Years
According to sources speaking to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Brent Rooker and the Athletics agreed on a five-year, $60 million contract extension. The agreement, first reported on January 7, 2025, includes a substantial $10 million signing bonus and covers the seasons from 2025 through 2029. The salary structure is front-loaded with a unique progression: $2 million for 2025, $6 million for 2026, $12 million for 2027, $13 million for 2028, and $17 million for 2029.
Adding further potential value, the contract features a $22 million vesting option for the 2030 season, which could escalate to $30 million based on performance incentives. As detailed by Spotrac, this option activates if Rooker achieves one of three milestones: 500 plate appearances in 2029, 900 combined plate appearances in 2028-2029, or two Top-10 finishes in the MVP voting between 2027 and 2029.
A Strategic Move for a Relocating Franchise
This extension is not just a reward for Rooker's performance; it's a core part of the Athletics' strategic planning. With the team preparing to relocate from Oakland, management is actively working to lock in key talent and signal a willingness to increase payroll. Forbes highlighted this deal as part of the team's strategy to "keep spending," noting that Rooker's annual value of $15 million during his would-be free agent years (2028-2029) is a sound investment.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay and general manager David Forst confirmed to MLB.com that extension talks were ongoing, aimed at ushering the team into its next chapter. The New York Times Athletic also identified this contract as a key element of the team's anticipated spending spree post-Oakland.
Brent Rooker's Remarkable Financial Journey
Rooker's new wealth is a testament to years of gradual growth and seizing the right opportunities. His career earnings, which will reach approximately $16.93 million by the end of 2026, tell a story of persistence. His salary history shows a steady climb:
- 2017: Signing bonus of $1,935,300.
- 2020-2022: Earned $74,760, $300,566, and $146,148 respectively.
- 2023: Base salary of $725,000 (pre-arbitration), with total earnings of $1,037,879.
- 2024: Salary increased to $750,000, with total earnings of $1,437,804.
- 2025: Will earn a $12 million cash payout (with a $4 million salary as per Baseball-Reference).
- 2026: Projected to earn $6 million in cash, with a total payroll hit of $8 million, making him the team's third-highest paid player according to BetMGM.
While public estimates often place his net worth around $5 million, this new contract dramatically alters the perception of his financial standing in Major League Baseball. The deal is a powerful combination of the Athletics' long-term trust and a life-changing commitment to a player who has steadily earned his place.
