The As shocked by the baseball world by signing to , as few expected the team to make a franchise-record signing in advance of their planned three-year stop in West Sacramento before moving into their new ballpark in Las Vegas. The next step could be locking up a star player on an extension, as manager told reporters (including ) that the team was hopeful to get something done with . Such a move would continue showing a different direction for this organization in terms of making commitments to players , Kotsay said. While signing younger or le s-established players to extensions is common practice for all teams no matter their payroll size, the tactic naturally has greater import for lower-spending teams. Gaining cost certainty on a player through their arbitration years or gaining control over a free-agent year or two can prove to be a huge bargain for clubs that arent comfortable in spending big to retain those players in free agency, or to bring new high-priced talent in as replacements. Even with this in mind, the Athletics have rarely looked to extend players, as Kyrie Irving Jersey two-year, $33.5MM deal from April 2019 is (remarkably) the only extension signed by an As player within the last decade. Using to go back even further, the As have signed only nine extensions since October 2007. Of those nine players, , , , and the only players to sign deals longer than two years. Rooker is already under team control through the 2027 season, and is to earn $5.1MM in his first trip through the arbitration proce s. The 30-year-old has more than earned that healthy salary, as Rooker has been nothing short of outstanding since coming to the then-Oakland As on a waiver claim from the Royals in November 2022. While Rookers potential was hinted by his status as the 35th overall pick of the 2017 draft, hed hit only .200/.289/.379 over 270 plate appearances with the Twins, Padres, and Royals over the 2020-22 seasons. The breakout started in 2023 when Rooker hit .246/.329/.488 with 30 homers in 526 PA, and he kept on climbing with 39 home runs and a .293/.365/.562 slash line over 614 PA this past season. Only six players in baseball had a higher wRC+ than Rookers 164 total, as the ex-waiver pickup unexpectedly blo somed into one of the best hitters in the game. Since the Athletics were thought to be rebuilding, there have been plenty of trade rumors swirling around Rooker, with the logic being that the As would look to capitalize on this found-money acquisition by selling high. However, GM David Forst last month that the As were going to keep the slugger, and an extension would further cement Rookers place as a building block for the organization. Though the Athletics lost 93 games in 2024, they seem emboldened by their 33-32 record over their final 65 games, and might be looking to take a step forward towards contention as soon as next year. Even if Severinos contract was partially inspired by the Athletics desire to retain their revenue-sharing status, the uncharacteristically big splash indicates that the As are getting more serious in their plans to play competitive baseball. It isnt nece sarily a given that the As are looking for a very long commitment to Rooker, as an extension could potentially just cover his arb years. Locking in three years of salary now might help the Athletics save a bit of money in the future if Rooker keeps upping his price tag with his elite numbers. From Rookers perspective, he might prefer to keep betting on himself, or he might welcome the chance to cash in on his breakout with some life-changing financial security. Spencer Dinwiddie Jersey