Brent Rooker is not taking the disrespect from Jeff Passan.
Rooker was both a contestant in the MLB Home Run Derby this week, and he was chosen by American League manager Aaron Boone to be one of the team’s three representatives in the swing-off during Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Rooker hit two home runs on his three pitches, which was second only to Kyle Schwarber in terms of the best performances among the six swing-off participants.
Passan, who is a veteran baseball reporter for ESPN, commented on X that he was disappointed with the players who were chosen to participate in the swing-off. Instead of Rooker, Jonathan Aranda and Randy Arozarena representing the AL, and Pete Alonso, Schwarber and Kyle Stowers representing the NL, Passan preferred some other competitors. His ideal matchup would have been:
AL – Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
NL – Shohei Ohtani, Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber
What is:
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 16, 2025
Brent Rooker, Jonathan Aranda, Randy Arozarena vs. Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Stowers.
What could have been:
Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. Shohei Ohtani, Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber.
In Passan’s version, Rooker and Aranda had been swapped out for Judge and Guerrero on the AL side. Rooker saw the post and responded the next day.
“Am I not good enough for you Jeff,” Rooker humorously wrote on X.
Am I not good enough for you Jeff https://t.co/IRcQWLMbda
— Brent Rooker (@Brent_Rooker25) July 16, 2025
Rooker later clarified that he wasn’t actually mad at Passan and that he understands the reporter’s perspective.
“(Guys I like Jeff I’m not actually mad I would pick Aaron, Cal and Vladdy over me too),” Rooker wrote in a subsequent post on X.
Rooker also had a strong showing in the Home Run Derby on Monday. Even if he may not be the biggest name, he performs well in home run contests, and he’s also humorous too.
Rooker, 30, is batting .279 with 20 home runs this season. He smashed 39 dingers last season and 30 the year before.
