Athletics’ Colby Thomas Shows Power And Speed At Double-A

“He picks his spots well,” Sprague said. “He has elite bat speed and power to all fields.” 

It is that power-speed combo that intrigued the A’s when they drafted Thomas out of Mercer in the third round in 2022. He hit 17 home runs as a junior before a torn labrum ended his season after 42 games.

Thomas got back on the field in 2023, hitting 18 homers and stealing 25 bases while making stops at Oakland’s two Class A affiliates. This year at Double-A, Midland manager Gregorio Petit had Thomas on the run.

“Colby’s on a good team with a good manager who likes to play aggressive,” Sprague said. 

The big question around Thomas concerns his hitting ability. He slumped as a college sophomore in 2021 and then hit just .221 in the Cape Cod League that summer. As a pro, he has worked to cut strikeouts and improve contact.

Mercer coach Craig Gibson lauds Thomas for having “a tremendous work ethic and desire to be great.” 

Thomas focused on left field with Midland but has the above-average arm and speed to potentially handle right field. Sprague said that professional experience had provided improvement both in his outfield play and his bat-to-ball skills. 

But the biggest change may have been in December when he got married. “That settled him down a little,” Sprague chuckled. 

A’s ACORNS

— The hottest start in the Athletics’ system belonged to 2023 first-rounder Jacob Wilson, who hit .417 through his first 16 games for Double-A Midland. 

— Another player who made an early impression was 25-year-old third baseman Jack Winkler. Sprague said Winkler is learning to be a multi-position player —in the mold of Chad Pinder or Max Schuemann. He had made starts at each infield position for Double-A Midland.