Tommy White, a standout third baseman who helped Louisiana State University capture the 2023 national championship, is set to make his Major League debut this Friday as the Oakland Athletics promote him from the minors.
From Baton Rouge to the Big Leagues
White’s collegiate career was nothing short of spectacular. Over two seasons with the Tigers he smashed 48 home runs, drove in 175 runs and posted a career‑on‑base plus slugging percentage that topped 1.150, numbers that placed him among the most feared hitters in recent college history.
The A’s selected him with the 40th overall pick in the 2024 draft, a reward for a season in which he hit .303 and logged 10 homers while playing at Double‑A and Triple‑A levels. His .1.039 OPS in the current campaign underscores the readiness that convinced the club’s front office to fast‑track his arrival.
White will not be alone in the Bay Area’s newest talent influx. He joins fellow LSU alumni Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews and Gage Jump, all of whom have already carved out roles in the majors. The quartet represents a fresh wave of former Tigers talent aiming to leave their mark on the league.
Managers and analysts alike are already drawing comparisons between White’s power profile and that of classic sluggers, noting his ability to drive the ball to all fields and his disciplined approach at the plate. If his early performances translate, the Athletics could see a surge in offensive firepower that revitalizes a franchise eager for a return to contention.