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Former Mississippi State slugger Brent Rooker to compete in 2025 Home Run Derby

Bulldog fans know who they'll be cheering for in the Home Run Derby this year!
ByAndrew Miller|
Jul 8, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run during the first inning against Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Didier Fuentes (75) at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Jul 8, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run during the first inning against Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Didier Fuentes (75) at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

It's been a great year for former Mississippi State baseball stars in the MLB, and Brent Rooker has been a big part of why. The Bulldog alum is having an outstanding year for the Athletics, batting .270 with 19 home runs and 50 RBI.

As a result, he was just named to the American League All-Star Team for the second time in the last three years. Now, his 2025 All-Star Week schedule is getting even busier. For the first time in his career, Brent Rooker will compete in the Home Run Derby.

Over the last few seasons, Brent Rooker has become one of the best home run hitters in Major League Baseball. The 2017 1st round pick had his breakout season in 2023. He led the A's with 30 home runs and 69 RBI and made his first All-Star appearance. In 2024, he was even better, batting .293 with 39 home runs, which was top five in the MLB, and 112 RBI.

Back in January, he signed a five-year, $60 million extension to stay with the A's, cementing his place as one of the faces of the franchise. He's earning every penny of that contract this season.

Brent Rooker's home run power was on full display during his Mississippi State career

Brent Rooker mashing baseballs comes as a surprise to absolutely no one in Mississippi. The long-ball was his specialty at Mississippi State. As a redshirt sophomore in 2016, he led an SEC Championship-winning Diamond Dawg squad with 11 home runs. That year, he participated in the College Home Run Derby, some appropriate foreshadowing. Then in 2017, he exploded for 23 home runs on his way to winning SEC Player of the Year.

In that 2017 season, he joined State legend Rafael Palmerio as the only players to ever take home the SEC Triple Crown, leading the league in batting average, home runs, and RBI. Fittingly, Rooker now joins Palmerio as the only Diamond Dawg alums to compete in the Home Run Derby, with Palmerio making appearances in 1998 and 2004.

It took Brent Rooker some time to find his footing in the big leagues, but he's now settled in as a star. He'll battle for the Home Run Derby crown at Truist Park in Atlanta on Monday, July 14 at 7:00 PM CT with the broadcast on ESPN.

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