This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
OAKLAND – Tommy White earned the nickname “Tommy Tanks” in college, and he got a chance to show the A's why this past week.
After signing his first professional contract as the No. 40 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft, White participated in batting practice with the A’s before Tuesday’s game against the Astros. It didn’t take long for the third baseman out of LSU to live up to his moniker by hitting several “tanks” out of the Coliseum.
Power is the standout tool for White. Across three seasons, beginning at North Carolina State in 2022 and continuing at LSU from 2023-24, White slugged 75 home runs and posted a 1.123 OPS in 187 games to finish eighth on the NCAA Division I all-time home run list.
White has reported to the A’s Minor League complex in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be assigned to Single-A Stockton. Here’s a little more about the 21-year-old:
What has the last week been like for you from being drafted to getting a chance to come out to the Coliseum to sign your contract?
White: Unbelievable. It’s been the time of my life. I’m still kind of soaking it all in right now. I’m loving my time here and getting ready to go to Arizona soon and get ready to play.
How did it feel to be at the Coliseum and actually hit a home run?
White: It’s cool. It’s awesome. Being able to come out here and hit in this park is unbelievable. It’s a big league stadium with a lot of seats, so seeing that the ball still flies even in a stadium like this is pretty cool.
You hit what will go down as one of the more legendary home runs in college baseball history in the 2023 College World Series with a walk-off against Wake Forest. Do you ever like to just go back and re-watch that clip?
White: I see clips of it pop up on TikTok or Instagram or something. So, yeah, I’ll watch it then. I never go past it.
Nick Kurtz was on that Wake Forest team and he was part of your Draft class as the A’s first-round pick. What are your thoughts on being in the same organization now?
White: He’s a homie. I don’t think he played that game. I think he was hurt. He could have been the guy changing the game. It’s one of those things. But he’s awesome. I’m excited to get to go see him down in Arizona and play with him. He’s got an eagle eye, too. I’m excited. Hopefully, he can teach me some of that.
Your work ethic has been talked about a lot. When you think about your work ethic, what comes to mind?
White: I would just say I’m a hard worker. I’m a go-getter. I don’t really talk or do any of the outside stuff. You might see some flashy things on the field, but that’s just me expressing who I am on the inside. I just work hard and put my head down. I don’t really ask questions or don’t really like the outside stuff. I just focus on the play.
One thing scouts often knocked you for was your defense, though A’s scouting director Eric Kubota mentioned the organization was impressed by how you handled third. Do you feel like you made some strides this past season?
White: Most definitely. From sophomore year to junior year, I was a completely different guy over there. I’m excited to use that going into this organization and keep growing and get better each year. Last year was a good year at third, but not a great year. I want to keep getting better to make it that amazing year.
How would you describe yourself as a hitter?
White: I love to go opposite field with a lot of things and take offspeed [pitches] to left field. I like to hit the ball far. I go up there trying to do damage with every swing. I have a two-strike approach that’s pretty gnarly. I get wide with no stride. I’m trying to do damage with every chance I can.