Why latest offseason move by A's is most important of all

That would make Rooker the only current player on the Athletics roster that is signed through the team's planned debut season in Las Vegas in 2028.

This continues what has been a successful run for the 30-year-old with the Athletics organization. 

After struggling in his debut season with the Minnesota Twins in 2020, Rooker was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2022 before being dealt to the Kansas City Royals four months later. He was designated for assignment three months later and claimed off waivers by the Athletics.

A quick turnaround was in store once Rooker joined the Athletics. He became a first-time All-Star after batting .246 with 30 home runs and 69 RBI in 137 games during the 2023 season. The following season, Rooker hit .293 with 39 home runs and 112 RBI in 145 games.

According to StatMuse, the Athletics hit 196 home runs in 2024, which was eighth in the league. While the team was only 69-93 - its third consecutive season with at least 93 losses - home runs were not a problem for them, so extending Rooker keeps the Athletics in a position to maintain that production.

This was not the first major deal of the offseason for the Athletics. Looking to add veteran pitching to a young group, the team signed right-hander Luis Severino to a three-year, $67 million contract on Dec. 5. The deal was the largest guaranteed contract in A's history and gives them a No. 1 pitcher for the 2025 season.

While Severino had a string of injuries with the New York Yankees, he bounced back with the New York Mets last season by incorporating a hard sinker and a sweeper that had opponents hitting .139. That level of experience and efficiency is exactly what a young Athletics pitching staff needs.

Just over a week later on Dec. 14, the Athletics added more pitching depth by landing Jeffrey Springs in a multiplayer trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.

In 33 innings last season, Springs had a 3.27 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 11 walks. In addition to left-hander JP Sears and right-handers Joey Estes and Mitch Spence - who both impressed as rookies in 2024 - Springs gives the Athletics another veteran presence with so many unproven arms rounding out the rest of the rotation.

About a week later, the Athletics made another acquisition with the signing of infielder Gio Urshela to a one-year deal. After struggling to find a reliable option at third base, Urshela brings a .273 career batting average, along with 73 home runs and 332 RBI. 

As the Athletics prepare for play in Sacramento each of the next three seasons before heading to Las Vegas, the pieces are starting to fall into place for a franchise that has struggled mightily the last three seasons.

After landing Severino, Springs and Urshela to pair with a talented young roster, extending Rooker should have the organization feeling optimistic that a turnaround is in store.