KJ White, the standout outfielder from Southern University, has inked a deal with the Oakland Athletics as an undrafted free agent, capping a senior season that placed him among the nation’s most prolific hitters.
White’s name appeared on multiple award lists, including being named Southwestern Athletic Conference Hitter of the Year and earning a spot among the 48 semifinalists for the Dick Howser Award, which honors the country’s top college baseball player.
Coach Chris Crenshaw praised the player’s work ethic, noting that White’s .421 batting average, .486 on‑base percentage and .682 slugging percentage reflected a combination of skill and professionalism that set him apart.
A New Chapter for Southern Baseball
The agreement marks the second consecutive year that a Southern University product has secured an MLB opportunity, following the 2025 draft of outfielder Cardell Thibodeaux by the San Diego Padres, who now competes in the Florida Complex League with the Atlanta Braves organization.
White’s 81 hits and 33 RBIs helped Southern to a 29‑23 record, the most wins under Crenshaw since 2019, and underscored the growing pipeline of talent emerging from historically Black colleges and universities.
As the baseball community celebrates this milestone, the move signals a continued investment in HBCU programs and highlights the pathway that players like White and Thibodeaux have carved for future generations.