The New York Yankees are 58-40 heading into the MLB All-Star break, one game behind the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the American League East. With the trade deadline nearing, the Yankees might make a splash and improve their chances of winning the AL pennant.
There are numerous names linked to the Yankees on the trade market, but one particularly intriguing name emerged: Oakland Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker. The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner mentioned Rooker as a potential target.
However, with the Yankees’ surplus of outfielders, where would he play? This is what Kirschner wrote:
‘ “Where would he play?” That’s what fans are likely to say if the Yankees trade for Rooker. The response should be, “Does it matter?” When a player has a.900 OPS, he needs to work his way into the lineup, and it is up to the manager to make that happen. If Rooker joined the Yankees, he would most likely play in left field. Alex Verdugo’s offensive skills are insufficient to make him an everyday player. They could easily share time in the outfield. Also, as previously stated, there should be some caution in thinking Stanton will return to his pre-injury level, so at-bats as a designated hitter could be an option.
Rooker will almost probably be traded at the deadline because the Athletics appear to be in sell mode: “He’s a pre-arbitration player, but he’s 29 years old. Given his age and the A’s want to go younger, it’s possible they’ll trade him and profit on his production,” Kirschner noted. There are other alternatives for New York, but including Brent Rooker in the roster is a nice concept.
The Brent Rooker to Yankees talk is interesting.
Rooker travelled around the MLB before settling in and getting consistent playing time with the Athletics. In 2023, he struck.246 with 30 homers and 69 RBI. In 2024, he is hitting.He has 291 hits, 21 home runs, and 62 RBI, putting him on track to break all of those records.
Rooker made the All-Star Game in 2023 with strong numbers, and he is projected to be one of the most popular names linked ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. Other teams that could want Rooker include the Philadelphia Phillies, and the San Diego Padres are also expected to be active in the trade market (though Rooker may not be a hit in San Diego).
The Yankees’ outfield currently consists of Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham, with Aaron Judge at designated hitter. Grisham plays excellent defence but has struggled at the plate, while Kirschner suggests that Rooker’s best fit with New York would be in left field, taking over for Verdugo.
Nonetheless, the Yankees’ interest in Athletics standout Brent Rooker is intriguing, and a blockbuster acquisition like that might propel them to the top of the American League.
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