The Athletics had three picks on Day 1 of the 2024 MLB Draft, and the team walked away with plenty to show for it.
Oakland selected Wake Forest first baseman Nick Kurtz at No. 4 overall on Sunday, LSU third baseman Tommy White at No. 40 overall and LSU pitcher Gage Jump at No. 73 overall as part of a draft crop the franchise certainly hopes can lift them back into playoff contention in the years to come.
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Kurtz came into the draft ranked as MLB.com's No. 7 prospect, and originally was recruited by Wake Forest as a pitcher. His prowess at the plate soon became evident, however, and Kurtz established himself as a future first-round pick after slashing 344/.498/.695 with 39 homers in his first two collegiate seasons.
The 21-year-old corner infielder is known for his above-average power and doesn't have a discernable weakness -- other than his speed, which doesn't hold him back from making stellar defensive plays at first base.
White is another power hitter, who transferred to LSU as a sophomore and led all Division 1 players with 105 RBI while hitting 24 homers en route to the Tigers' 2023 College World Series title. This spring, White's right-handed power was on display again as he mashed 24 more home runs.
Oakland Athletics
Jump was ranked as MLB.com's No. 62 draft prospect heading into Sunday and is a southpaw whose fastball tops out at 95 mph. Midway through his freshman year at UCLA, the former top California high school pitching prospect injured his elbow and missed the entire 2023 season after having Tommy John surgery. After transferring to LSU, his repertoire -- which includes a killer curveball -- is back to its previous levels.