Athletics' Brent Rooker responds to ESPN star's list of preferred swing-off participants

Kyle Schwarber led the NL over the AL in the 2025 MLB All-Star game with three HRs. Chris Broussard, Kevin Wildes and Danny Parkins ask if MLB should add swing-offs in the regular season.

Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker's week kicked off in Atlanta, the host city for the 2025 MLB All-Star game. 

On Monday, Rooker participated in the annual Home Run Derby. The next day, Rooker was one of the three players American League manager Aaron Boone selected to compete in the All-Star game's first-ever swing-off.

Rooker went 2-for-3 in the historic Home Run Derby-style tiebreaker. However, Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber scored three points in the swing-off to help the National League win the thriller.

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National League designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) of the Athletics in the home run swing-off tiebreaker during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park in Cumberland, Ga., July 15, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)

Several notable power-hitting All-Stars were noticeably absent from the unprecedented swing-off. The AL lineup was represented by Rooker, Jonathan Aranda and Randy Arozarena. Schwarber, Pete Alonso and Kyle Stowers stepped up to the plate for the NL

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The list of names left some observers puzzled, which sparked some questions about the selections. ESPN MLB reporter Jeff Passan was among those who weighed in on the player selection for the swing-off and offered his preferred lineup. 

Jeff Passan smiles during All-Star workout day at Truist Park July 14, 2025, in Atlanta.  (Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)

"What could have been: Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Vladimir