BA GRADE
55
Risk: High
HIT: 50.
POW: 60.
SPD: 40.
FLD: 50.
ARM: 45.
Born: Nov. 1, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 220. Drafted: Mississippi State, 2017 (1st round supplemental). Signed by: Derrick Dunbar.
Drafted in successive years by the Twins, Rooker improved his stock considerably by going back to college. After nearly accepting a modest 38th-round bonus in 2016, the Memphis-area product signed for the full-slot figure of $1.935 million following a record-setting season at Mississippi State. He also earned his degree with a double major in business administration and management. Terry Rooker, his father, caught four seasons at the University of Memphis and younger brother Josh is a freshman catcher there now, but neither ever tried to convert Brent to the position. Lynne Oliver, his mother, played college tennis at Baylor and Memphis.
Rooker hit the ground running as expected, showing plus power and hitting 18 combined homers in just 62 games in the Appalachian and Florida State leagues. Having honed his power stroke and improved his contact rate in college, the powerfully built Rooker reminds some of former Twins left fielder Josh Willingham. Rooker still has some swing-and-miss in his game, especially on power breaking balls and soft stuff from lefties, but his walk rate should improve along with his pitch recognition. Primarily a first baseman in college, Rooker showed enough mobility and arm to be a tick below average in left. He is a smart baserunner despite below-average speed. After ranking second in Division I with an average exit velocity of 92 mph, Rooker matched that number in the FSL during his first pro summer.
Already on the fast track due to his advanced bat, Rooker should remain in left as he climbs the ladder. He projects as a middle-of-the-order weapon with power as a strong carrying tool.
Year |
Club (League) |
Class |
AVG |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2017 |
Elizabethton (APP) |
R |
.282 |
22 |
85 |
19 |
24 |
|
Fort Myers (FSL) |
HiA |
.280 |
40 |
143 |
23 |
40 |
Minor League Totals |
.281 |
62 |
228 |
42 |
64 |
||
Year |
Club (League) |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
2017 |
Elizabethton (APP) |
5 |
0 |
7 |
17 |
11 |
|
Fort Myers (FSL) |
6 |
0 |
11 |
35 |
16 |
Minor League Totals |
11 |
0 |
18 |
52 |
27 |
|
Year |
Club (League) |
SO |
SB |
CS |
OBP |
SLG |
2017 |
Elizabethton (APP) |
21 |
2 |
2 |
.364 |
.588 |
|
Fort Myers (FSL) |
47 |
0 |
0 |
.364 |
.552 |
Minor League Totals |
68 |
2 |
2 |
.364 |
.566 |
|