Brent Rooker isn’t known for stirring headlines off the field. But the Oakland Athletics slugger recently got honest about the emotional toll that came after he signed his contract extension, and how it felt to be judged for a decision he says was about family and long-term security.
Appearing on the Diggin’ Deep Shows podcast, Rooker revealed how online attacks over his contract extension got to him despite “keeping his mouth shut” most of the time.
“I kept my mouth shut for the most part,” Rooker said. “But the negative tweets after I signed my extension… that got to me a little bit. People said, ‘You took a bad deal.’ No. You guys don’t understand what’s happening.”
The Oakland Athletics star explained that, unlike stars like Juan Soto or Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who reached free agency in their mid-20s, his situation is different. “I’m going to hit free agency at 33. It’s not the same,” he added. “Something cool happened in your life, you take care of your family, and people still come at you.”
Brent Rooker Finds Stability With The Oakland Athletics
Rooker signed a five-year, $60 million extension with Oakland in January. After a breakout 2023 season, he hit .293 with 39 homers and 112 RBIs. The deal can reach $92 million with incentives.
This season, Rooker has continued to produce. Through mid-June, he is batting around .275 with 15 home runs. He has helped anchor a young Oakland Athletics lineup that is still trying to find consistency.
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Despite the online noise, Rooker said he only clapped back “a couple times,” choosing instead to let his play do the talking. He will next be seen in action in a game against Houston Astros, set to be played on Thursday at Raley Field.
