Brent Rooker projected to be the first A's player to do this since Mark McGwire

Since being claimed off waivers by the Athletics in 2022, Brent Rooker has made his presence felt. Not being an All-Star up until that point, Rooker would get his first All-Star Game nod in 2023. 

The following year, he did much better, improving on a 30-home run season with 39 in 2024, but was snubbed as an All-Star. 

However, with another 30-homer season last year, Rooker returned for his second All-Star Game. He now comes into the new season looking to keep producing long balls at a large clip, because if he can, he will be joining some pretty elite company. 

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Brent Rooker projected to be the first A's player to do this since Mark McGwire

When looking back at some of the power hitters the A's have had in the history of their franchise, you cannot talk too long without mentioning Mark McGwire. 

He spent the first portion of his career clobbering home runs left and right for the Athletics. He had two separate occasions where he reached 30 or more home runs four seasons in a row. 

Now, you know where we are going with this, right? Rooker has eclipsed that mark in his last three seasons, and another one would make him the first A's player to do this since McGwire, per ESPN's David Schoenfield.

"Season prediction: Rooker's home run rate didn't increase as might have been expected in the move to Sacramento, but his improved strikeout rate is a good sign. He'll reach 30 home runs for the fourth year in a row, the first A's player to do that since Mark McGwire."

If Rooker can do this, Nick Kurtz could be the second. He is coming off a dominant rookie year where he crushed 36, and wasn't even with the club on Opening Day, making his MLB debut on April 23.

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