Brent Rooker Joins the Home Run Derby
The Athletics’ standout hitter, Brent Rooker, has confirmed his participation in the prestigious Home Run Derby. Rooker announced his participation on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the event to be held next Monday in Atlanta.This event makes him the first Athletics player to compete in the Home Run Derby since Matt Olson in 2021.
Rooker, at 30 years old, is currently exhibiting a batting average of .270, with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs, positioning him for a third consecutive season with at least 30 home runs. In the 2023 season, he hit 30 home runs and in 2024, he reached 39. With a total of 58 home runs since the start of the 2024 season, Rooker is in third place among all American League players.The only Athletics players to have won the Derby are Mark McGwire in 1992 and Yoenis Céspedes in 2013 and 2014. Other confirmed participants include Ronald Acuña Jr. of Atlanta, Byron Buxton of Minnesota, Junior Caminero of Tampa Bay, Oneil Cruz of Pittsburgh, Cal Raleigh of Seattle, and James Wood of Washington.Competing in the Home Run Derby has always been a dream for me. I can’t wait for it to happen next week in Atlanta! See you there!
Brent Rooker
