Athletics Minor Leaguer Casey Thomas passed away unexpectedly in Phoenix, the club announced in a statement on Tuesday. He was 24.
Thomas, the son of A's pro scout Tom Thomas, was Oakland's 34th-round pick in the 2016 Draft, and he was playing in extended spring camp in Arizona.
Thomas played shortstop, third base and second base last season with the A's Rookie-level affiliate in the Arizona League, hitting .258 with 18 RBIs in 37 games. He played his college ball for GateWay Community College in Phoenix before transferring to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
• Casey Thomas' Minor League statistics, bio
"We were devastated to hear of this tragedy within the A's family," A's executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane said. "Our hearts go out to Tom and his family on their loss; Casey was a wonderful young man and teammate, and will be missed by all in the A's organization."