Did the Twins give up on Brent Rooker too soon? – Gemini

Every MLB fanbase keeps a list of players that the team gave up on too early. Some players need a change of scenery to unlock their full potential. Others need to change roles or require a long track at the big league level. After starting their careers with the Twins, Liam Hendriks and Ryan Pressly have become two of the most dominant relievers of the last decade. David Ortiz is the most famous example of a former Twin who went on to find success in another uniform, but there are many others who have followed his path. Brent Rooker is the latest player to reach his full potential after the Twins passed on him.

The Minnesota Twins drafted Rooker with the 35th overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft out of Mississippi State University. After signing, Rooker, known for his hard hitting, destroyed the minors with a .930 OPS and 29 extra-base hits in 62 games. Minnesota sent him down to Double-A for his second season, and his offensive production resembled a bell curve, with low OPS totals at the beginning and end of the year, but two months in between, during which he averaged over 1,000 OPS. Injuries limited him to 65 games in 2019 at Triple-A, but he was nearly three years younger than the average player at that level and posted a .933 OPS. He was firmly established as one of the organization’s top prospects; he was sitting atop the big league list.

Rooker made his big league debut during the pandemic-shortened season in 2020. In the first seven games, he went 6-for-19 (.316) with two doubles and a home run. Unfortunately, he broke his wrist on a hit by a pitch, causing him to miss the rest of the season. Rooker’s performance in 2021 was mixed. He showed flashes of brilliance, especially with a .931 OPS at Triple-A. However, his big league numbers dipped and he struggled defensively in left field. In a competitive division, the Twins needed consistent production from their outfielders, and Rooker’s ups and downs didn’t fit into the team’s long-term plans.

Entering the 2022 season, Rooker had an opportunity to earn a roster spot during spring training, but there were several players ahead of him on the team’s depth chart. Instead of sending him back to Triple-A, the club included him in a questionable trade on the eve of Opening Day. Minnesota sent Rooker and Taylor Rogers to the San Diego Padres for Chris Paddack, Emilio Pagán and Brayan Medina. Rogers struggled with the Padres and was dealt to the Brewers at the trade deadline. Paddack was injured quickly, and Pagán struggled in high-leverage situations with the Twins. The Twins released Medina in March after he failed to make it out of the rookie levels.

Rooker spent most of the 2022 season hitting well for the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate, but was limited to two big league games in San Diego. In August, they traded him to the Royals for Cam Gallagher. He played 14 games for Kansas City, but struggled offensively, with a 38 OPS+ and a 7-to-3 strikeout-walk ratio. The Royals were rebuilding and had no room for him on their roster for 2023. Rooker was selected off waivers by the Oakland Athletics, who gave him his first long-term look at the big league level.

Oakland has been near the bottom of the AL for several seasons, so they have room to add a player like Rooker and give him an extended opportunity. He became an All-Star for the first time last year while setting career highs in several offensive categories. In 137 games, he hit .246/.329/.488 with 20 doubles, 30 home runs and a 126 OPS+. His 2024 campaign is off to an even better start, with a 164 OPS+, seven doubles and 10 home runs in 36 games. Rooker is on track to become an All-Star for the second consecutive season.

Ultimately, the Twins decided to trade Rooker because of the organization’s other pitching and DH options. Some argue that this move was premature. After all, Rooker was only 27 years old, and many players take time to adjust to the big leagues. His power potential alone makes him an intriguing asset for any team willing to take a chance on him. Fans can’t help but wonder what could have been if Rooker had stayed healthy and received more consistent playing time. Perhaps a full season would have allowed him to find his groove and contribute meaningfully. However, several teams besides the Twins have waived Rooker before he had a fair, lucrative shot.

Should the Twins have tried to keep Rooker in the organization? What’s your take on the trade that sent him to the Padres? Leave a comment and start the discussion.