Roster moves on Wednesday:
– Designate for assignment: RHP Aaron Civale
– Activate: 3B Donovan Walton
– Recall from Triple-A Las Vegas: LHP Brady Basso
– Purchase contract: RHP Yunior Tur from Triple-A Las Vegas
– Option: RHP Masson Barnett to Triple-A Las Vegas
– Option: C Brian Serven to Triple-A Las Vegas
Profile: Tommy White
White was selected by Oakland in the second round (No. 40 overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft after a standout college career. He began at North Carolina State, where he posted a .362/.425/.757 line with 27 home runs, 12 doubles, and 74 RBI over 55 games. He later transferred to LSU, a premier baseball program, and continued to shine. In his first season at LSU, White slashed .374/.432/.725 with 24 home runs, 24 doubles, and 105 RBI across 66 games. He followed with a strong junior season, hitting .330/.401/.638 with 24 home runs, 12 doubles, and 70 RBI.
In the minor leagues, White initially faced adjustment hurdles. He appeared in 25 games for the Single-A level in 2024, hitting .224/.303/.299. Across 93 games between High-A and Double-A the following season, he slashed .275/.334/.439 with 12 home runs, 23 doubles, and 51 RBI. A standout performance in the Arizona Fall League helped him gain momentum, and this season he has progressed to post a .303/.353/.465 line with 10 home runs, 17 doubles, two triples, and 64 RBI over 76 games at the Triple-A and Double-A levels. Notably, he has thrived against left-handed pitching, recording a .376/.438/.576 line.
Defensively, White can handle first and third base. In the minors, he logged 1,246 2/3 innings at third and 212 innings at first. With first baseman Nick Kurtz sidelined by an injury, White could receive ample opportunities at first base until Kurtz returns. In the meantime, he is expected to contribute regularly against left-handed pitching. Rookie Joshua Koroda-Grauer has also impressed since his MLB debut, hitting .422/.435/.533 with five doubles in 46 plate appearances over 12 games at third base. If Koroda-Grauer continues to perform and White makes a strong start to his rookie season, White could become a primary designated hitter option after Kurtz is reinstated from the injured list.
Outlook
White’s debut comes after a lengthy college career that showcased his power, plate discipline, and versatility. The Athletics will be monitoring how he transitions to the majors and how he fits into a roster that is already making aggressive moves to adjust its infield and lineup. If White adapts quickly, he could see regular at-bats, particularly when facing left-handed pitchers, and may earn a more prominent role as the season progresses.
Note: The information above reflects recent team transactions and White’s developmental trajectory through the minor leagues, with emphasis on his offensive and defensive versatility as he advances toward a full MLB debut.
