WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Oakland Athletics power hitter Brent Rooker has officially joined the 2025 Home Run Derby field, marking the first A’s participant since Matt Olson in 2021. The 30-year-old slugger announced his participation Thursday via Instagram, writing: “Competing in the Home Run Derby has always been a dream of mine. Can’t wait to make it happen next week in Atlanta! See ya there!”
Rooker enters the event as one of the American League’s most consistent power threats. Through Thursday’s games, he’s batting .270 with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs, putting him on pace for his third consecutive 30-homer campaign. Since the start of the 2024 season, his 58 long balls rank third among AL hitters.
The Derby, scheduled for Monday at Atlanta’s Truist Park, will feature an impressive lineup including:
- Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves)
- Byron Buxton (Twins)
- Junior Caminero (Rays)
- Oneil Cruz (Pirates)
- Cal Raleigh (Mariners)
- James Wood (Nationals)
Rooker now has the opportunity to join exclusive company in Athletics history. Only two Oakland players have ever won the event: Mark McGwire (1992) and Yoenis Céspedes, who captured back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014.
The right-handed hitter brings legitimate raw power to the competition, having blasted 30 homers in 2023 and a career-high 39 last season. His participation gives the rebuilding A’s franchise a much-needed spotlight during All-Star festivities.
Fans will be watching to see if Rooker can channel the same magic that made Céspedes a Derby legend. With his compact swing and uppercut stroke, he’s built for the home run showcase format. The event could serve as a breakout moment for the underrated slugger on baseball’s national stage.
As baseball’s midsummer classic approaches, Rooker’s addition completes an exciting Derby field featuring both established stars and rising talents. All eyes will be on Atlanta Monday night to see if Oakland’s representative can make history.