The Phillies Could Trade For This Oakland Outfielder

In the final series leading up to the All-Star break this past weekend, the Philadelphia Phillies faced the Oakland Athletics. Even though the Phillies have the best record in baseball and the Athletics’ are 24 games below .500, Oakland dominated. In particular, Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker dominated.

Rooker certainly seemed comfortable in Citizens Bank Park, helping the Athletics win the series over the Phillies with dominance at the plate. In the three-game series, Rooker went 7-for-12 with three home runs and seven RBIs. In the second game of the series, he was just a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.

Rooker clearly likes hitting in Citizens Bank Park, and although the Phillies saw that hurt them in the series, it also may have been a preview of what he can bring for the Phillies.

Although the Phillies are probably the most complete team in baseball, they have one clear need for improvement: the outfield. Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh have been consistent options in the outfield this season for the Phillies, but they’ve lacked consistency with the third spot. The Phillies have tried filling the third outfield slot with many utility players this season, but nobody has stuck.

That said, it’s time for the Phillies to use the trade deadline to find a new option. Rooker can be that option for the Phillies.

This is Rooker’s fifth year in the major leagues and his third year with the Athletics. After spending his first two years with the Twins, Rooker was traded to Oakland in 2022. Without a doubt, 2024 is Rooker’s breakout season.

Over the past three seasons, Rooker struggled significantly, batting .228. In the 2023 season, he finally found some power, though, having a 488 slugging percentage and rocketing 30 home runs. This year, Rooker is taking it to the next level.

Heading into the All-Star break, Rooker is batting .291 with a .942 OPS. The power that he found last season has only increased, as he already has 21 home runs this season. In comparison, Johan Rojas — who has spent the majority of the time filling the Phillies’ third outfield spot — is batting .231 with a .565 OPS and three home runs.

Rooker will likely be one of, if not the most, coveted outfielder on the trade market given how impressive he has been this season, making him a hot commodity. If the Phillies decide to pursue Rooker they will likely be one of several suitors vying for him.

Acquiring Rooker wouldn’t just be a move for the Phillies’ short-term success, though. Rooker won’t go through free agency until 2028, making him a long-term option for the Phillies in the outfield. That was the Phillies’ strategy at the last trade deadline when they picked up Brandon Marsh from the Angels. If the Phillies choose to employ that same strategy this year they could pick up an important piece for not only this season but seasons to come.

As a bonus, Rooker has already proven how much he likes to hit in Citizens Bank Park.

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