Josh Kuroda-Grauer, a standout shortstop from Rutgers University, is preparing for his first appearance in Major League Baseball as the Oakland Athletics summon him to the roster for a series in Sacramento.
Selected 75th overall in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Kuroda-Grauer has dominated the minor leagues, posting a .323 average across Double‑A and Triple‑A and a .352 batting mark for the Las Vegas Aviators in 42 games after a May promotion.
A Milestone for the Scarlet Knights
His call‑up marks the second time a Rutgers player has reached the big leagues this season, following Brian Fitzpatrick’s debut for the Milwaukee Brewers on April 29. Both athletes are the first two Scarlet Knights to be promoted under head coach Steve Owens, underscoring a resurgence of Rutgers talent in professional baseball.
A Familiar Rival Awaits
The Athletics will open the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that once drafted Kuroda-Grauer’s teammate and fellow New Jersey native, Brian O'Grady, and that has historically tested the abilities of Rutgers alumni. Fitzpatrick’s early MLB experience with the Brewers adds a narrative thread that ties the two former Scarlet Knights together on this new stage.
Kuroda-Grauer’s collegiate résumé is decorated with numerous accolades: he earned 2024 Big Ten Player of the Year honors, was selected as an All‑American by five outlets, made the All‑Big Ten First Team, and was a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, the Golden Spikes Award, and the Dick Howser Trophy. His 95 hits this season topped the nation, and he batted .428 while stealing 24 bases with just seven errors.
Beyond the statistics, Kuroda-Grauer’s leadership was evident in his 29 multi‑hit games, including a streak of five consecutive contests with three or more hits. Such performances have cemented his reputation as one of the most consistent hitters in the minors and have drawn praise from both teammates and opponents.
Looking Ahead
As he steps onto the field in Sacramento, Kuroda-Grauer carries the expectations of a program that has produced notable MLB talent. His debut not only adds depth to the Athletics’ lineup but also signals a promising pipeline from Rutgers to the majors, a trend that could inspire future generations of Scarlet Knights.