Former LSU star Tommy White has signed a Major League Baseball contract with the Oakland Athletics, who picked him in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
Jim Callis of MLB.com reports that White signed for $3 million, significantly more than the $2,332,100 slot value for the 40th overall selection. This is exciting news for the former Tigers standout.
White, who won a national title at LSU, had two outstanding seasons with the Tigers, leading to his second-round draft pick.
His most impressive season was in 2023, where he hit .374 with 24 home runs and 105 RBI, helping the Tigers secure a national championship in his first year. In 2024, his performance dipped slightly with a .330 average and 70 RBI, but he still hit 24 home runs. He earned Second Team All-American honors from the NCBWA and was a Second Team All-SEC selection.
White leaves LSU with an impressive resume. In 2023, despite a shoulder injury, he was a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist and a College World Series All-Tournament Team selection.
Now with the Athletics, White aims to fulfill his considerable potential, as outlined by MLB Draft analysts.
According to MLB.com, White stands out with his significant right-handed power, generated through strength, bat speed, and an ability to consistently make contact. Known primarily for his slugging, he also makes repeated contact with high exit velocities, rarely swinging and missing despite his aggressive approach and tendency to expand his strike zone.
Defensively, White offers limited value due to his well-below-average speed and average arm strength. Initially a designated hitter, he has mainly played third base but is expected to move to first base in professional baseball. Although his range is limited and his play at third base is erratic, he was praised for his perseverance during the 2023 season despite a shoulder injury.
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