Adding a Brent Rooker to the Philadelphia Phillies trade package

The Oakland Athletics are looking to move toward a fire sale at this year’s trade deadline. Currently 35-60 and in fifth place in the American League West, a playoff shot seems all but wasted for the A’s as they try to continue their rebuild for the future. One player on the roster who could be on the move is left fielder and designated hitter Brent Rooker, the A’s lone All-Star representative in 2023.

Rooker, who is currently hitting .279 with 18 home runs, 55 RBIs and a .538 slugging percentage and an .899 OPS, has been a top 20 hitter in the major leagues all season. In his second season in Oakland after being claimed off waivers ahead of the 2023 season and providing a strong bat for the A’s lineup, he would be a welcome addition to any contending club looking for more star power.

One team that could look to acquire Rooker is the Philadelphia Phillies, who, despite being the league’s best team in 2024 at 61-32 and atop the National League East, could use some infield relief with Bryce Harper, now the team’s everyday first baseman. and Kyle Schwarber making the switch to designated hitter. What makes Rooker even more intriguing for Philadelphia is his power to be able to hit left-handed pitching, something that could be vital to a Phillies postseason run.

Through 91 games so far this season as a team, the Phillies are currently batting .264 against lefties with a .430 slugging percentage, .767 OPS and 38 home runs. Rooker would be an upgrade for the Phillies.

A trade with the Phillies isn’t something the A’s need to rush into, as Rooker isn’t eligible for free agency until 2028 and is expected to hit arbitration for the first time next year, but an offer isn’t out of the question just yet. . Here’s what an offer could look like for the former all-star.

Philadelphia Phillies acquire LF/DH Brent Rooker

Oakland Athletics acquire SS/3B Aidan Miller, RHP Griff McGary and OF Raylin Heredia.

This trade could benefit both sides. First, it gives the A’s more pieces to build around for the future by making a 20-year-old infielder out of Miller, who is the Phillies’ No. 1 prospect. 2 and No. 27 in all of baseball, to finally pair up with the second baseman. Zach Gelof in the middle, or even at third base, and another arm in McGary (the Phillies’ No. 10 prospect) who hopes he can add more stability to the pitching staff. It will also allow the team to get younger, still being a few years away from contending, and adding additional financial flexibility to be able to do so.

Heredia is an interesting one, giving the A’s a backfielder who has the makings of a five-tool star with good speed and a good glove while also having strong pop with his bat. He is currently hitting .242 with a .305 on-base percentage, a .425 slugging percentage and a .730 OPS in 50 games while also having six home runs, 29 RBI and seven stolen bases . Still only 20 years old and currently playing with the Phillies Single-A team, he is still a few years away from breaking into the majors, but with raw talent that has been evident since signing in 2022, he would could be a solid option for the A’s as they prepare for their new era in Las Vegas.

Adding Rooker to Philadelphia’s lineup would certainly provide additional momentum, and while it might make sense for the A’s to explore their options as they continue their rebuild, Rooker’s current contract situation offers flexibility and gives the A’s – them the possibility to wait until they arrive. an offer they really like. Or they can choose to keep Rooker long-term and make him a cornerstone piece for years to come.