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Ron Schloerb/Cape Cod Times via Imagn Content Services, LLC

What to Expect from Athletics Outfielder Colby Thomas

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 9:10 AM ET

Another power-hitting prospect is coming to northern California. The Athletics promoted Colby Thomas, a third-round pick three years ago, to the Majors on June 30. It came after a strong runs in Triple-A, both last year and this year for the Las Vegas Aviators.

A Look at Thomas

The Athletics drafted Colby Thomas, a former Mercer University standout, three years ago in the third round. At the time, Thomas showed impressive power, thanks to a .734 SLG and 17 home runs in his junior season. However, a torn labrum ended his 2022 season early.

Since then, Thomas has steadily risen up the ranks among Athletics prospects.

Thomas hit 18 home runs and swiped 25 bases in his first pro season in 2023. Then, last season, the 24-year-old exploded between Double-A and Triple-A, as he hit a combined 31 home runs. Seventeen of those came in the hitter-friendly paradise of the Pacific Coast League.

The 24-year-old added 17 more to his Triple-A ledger this season, some of which came off middle-middle fastballs, while others were off hanging breaking balls.

Colby Thomas HR 2025 AAA ChartL Fastball (Red), Orange (Slider), Sweeper (Purple), Sinker (Cyan), and Changeup (Gray) Via New Baseball Media

As of June 30, Thomas was tied for the 11th-most barrels (22) in the Triple-A circuit.

The Athletics prospect is an interesting power hitter, to say the least. Thomas will start with a wide-open stance before moving into a squared position before the swing. He possesses explosive bat speed, going from 0 to 100 in a hurry and it’s a good reason why he was able to hit for so much power in the Minors.

Now, Thomas had a strong .365 on-base percentage with Las Vegas. However, there were some holes in his approach at the plate.

One, Thomas did have problems with was swings-and-misses, not shocking given the bat speed and profile. The 24-year-old whiffed 29.6% of the time when he swung in Triple A; 39.1% Whiff% against sliders, and 30.8% Whiff% against curveballs.

Second, a lot of chases out of the zone. He hacked at 33.6% of the pitches placed outside the strike zone.

Defensively, Thomas spent his time primarily in the corners. The Athletics prospect accrued 27 assists between left and right, as well as two in center between his three seasons as a Minor League.

The Athletics selected Colby Thomas on June 30 amidst a flurry of moves. Shea Langeliers was activated off the injured list, while JJ Bleday was demoted to Triple-A.

Analysis

It was only a matter of time Thomas was going to get the call to Sacramento.

Thomas hit over 30 home runs between his time down in Las Vegas in 2024 and 2025, proving he can handle Triple-A pitching. Now, the question will be whether Thomas, an aggressive hitter at the plate, albeit an intriguing power hitter, can adjust to Major League pitching.

What does benefit the Athletics is the fact the team has the ability to platoon him if need be. Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler are corner outfield options, while Denzel Clarke — a terrific defensive outfielder — has taken over center.

Soderstrom, however, has cooled off significantly since his torrid April. From May 1 through June 29, Soderstrom batted .233/.329/.352 (.681 OPS) for the Athletics.

Meanwhile, JJ Bleday gets another cooldown with Las Vegas. Bleday only hit .191/.288/.358 (.645 OPS) between his multiple runs with the A’s this season.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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