The Stockton Ports, a High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, are set to welcome some of the organization’s top draft picks from the 2024 MLB Draft. After spending a few weeks in Arizona, several promising young players are now joining the Ports, offering local fans an exciting glimpse into the future of the A's.
Among the new additions is Nick Kurtz, the fourth overall pick and a standout first baseman from Wake Forest. Kurtz, known for his powerful bat and disciplined approach at the plate, has already made appearances on top-100 prospect lists. With a history of hitting 20+ home runs in each of his last two college seasons, Kurtz is expected to move quickly through the A's system.
Joining Kurtz is Tommy White, a second-round pick out of LSU. Nicknamed "Tommy Tanks" for his power-hitting abilities, White has also shown improvement in his defensive skills at third base. The A's are optimistic about his potential both at the plate and in the field.
Third-round pick Joshua Kuroda-Grauer from Rutgers brings a strong glove to the shortstop position. While his power is limited, his contact skills and speed make him a solid addition to the Ports' roster. Scouts have rated his hit tool at 55 and his speed at 60 on the 20-80 scale, indicating his potential as a reliable hitter and base runner.
Finally, Cal product Rodney Green, the A's fourth-round selection, joins the team with a mix of power, speed, and defensive prowess in the outfield. However, his high strikeout rate remains a concern, though the A's believe recent adjustments could help him reach his full potential.
The Ports' season will conclude on September 8 in Modesto, but fans still have a few chances to catch these new prospects in action. The team will be at home this weekend and during the week of August 27-September 1. For those willing to travel, the Ports will also be playing in San Jose from August 13-18.
This late-season roster shakeup offers a unique opportunity for Stockton baseball fans to witness the early stages of these young athletes' professional careers, potentially seeing future stars of the Oakland A's up close.