Oakland Athletics select LSU 3B Tommy White in 2024 MLB Draft

LSU star third baseman Tommy White is taking his talents to the next level. The Oakland Athletics selected him with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Amateur Draft.

“Tommy Tanks” shined during his two years at LSU after transferring from NC State. His most productive season came in 2023 when he hit .374 with 24 home runs and 105 RBI to help the Tigers to a national championship in his first year with the program.

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In 2024, White’s numbers dropped a bit with a .330 average and 70 RBI, but he still hit 24 home runs to anchor the LSU offense. He also earned Second Team All-American honors from the NCBWA and was a Second Team All-SEC selection.

All told, White leaves Baton Rouge with a decorated resume. In 2023 – while battling through a shoulder injury – he was a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist and a College World Series All-Tournament Team selection.

As the IMG Academy product wrapped up his college career, White opened some eyes in MLB Draft circles. He entered the draft as a top-20 prospect, according to MLB.com, and looked to become the latest member of that national championship team to hear his name called.

Scouting report on Tommy White

Tommy White made a name for himself at the plate during his college career. But what stands out to evaluators is his ability to hit to all parts of the diamond, which goes beyond his abilities as a slugger. During his college career, White was a designated hitter and third baseman, but MLB.com’s evaluators wondered if first base could be in his future as he heads to the next level.

“White continues to stand out with his huge right-handed power to all fields, which he generates with strength, bat speed and an uncanny ability to barrel balls,” MLB.com’s scouting report said. “Known more for his slugging, he’s underrated as a hitter who makes repeated contact with impressive exit velocities. Though he’s overly aggressive and regularly expands his strike zone, he rarely swings and misses. 

“As a well-below-average runner with average arm strength, White provides limited value on the bases and in the field. Mostly a DH as a freshman, he has primarily played third base since and likely will wind up at first base in pro ball. He lacks range and is erratic at the hot corner, though he earns praise for gritting through the 2023 season and filling a team need despite his bad shoulder.”