Colby Thomas

Colby Thomas Bio

Colby Grant Thomas is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on January 26, 2001, Thomas quickly established himself as one of the sport’s rising talents after being selected in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft. His rapid ascent through the minor leagues culminated in his MLB debut in 2025, where he has continued to develop as a key contributor for the Athletics organization.

Early Life and Background

Thomas grew up in Valdosta, Georgia, where he attended Valdosta High School. During his senior year in 2019, he delivered an exceptional performance at the plate, hitting .416 with 13 home runs, 45 runs batted in, and 17 stolen bases. His standout high school career attracted attention from MLB scouts, and he was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 37th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. However, Thomas chose not to sign and instead enrolled at Mercer University to continue his baseball development at the collegiate level.

Path to Professional Baseball

At Mercer University, Thomas immediately demonstrated his hitting ability during the 2020 freshman season. He appeared in 16 games before the season was canceled due to the pandemic, batting .333 with five home runs and 18 runs batted in. As a sophomore in 2021, he appeared in 53 games and hit .247 with ten home runs and 37 runs batted in. During the summer of 2021, Thomas played in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League for the Bourne Braves, where he batted .228 with four home runs over 29 games, gaining valuable experience against top collegiate competition.

Thomas saved his best collegiate season for his junior year in 2022. He hit .325 with 17 home runs and 45 runs batted in over 42 games before a shoulder injury ended his season prematurely. Despite the injury, his performance solidified his status as a top prospect, and he ultimately committed to transfer to the University of Florida following the season’s conclusion. His impressive collegiate career earned him recognition as a prospective professional player, setting the stage for his professional debut.

Colby Thomas Career

Minor League Development (2023)

The Oakland Athletics selected Thomas in the third round with the 95th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. He signed with the organization and began his professional career in 2023 with the Single-A Stockton Ports. Thomas performed exceptionally well, slashing .286/.351/.493 with 18 home runs, 82 runs batted in, 39 doubles, and 25 stolen bases over 126 total appearances between Stockton and the High-A Lansing Lugnuts, to whom he was promoted in early July 2023. His well-rounded offensive production and speed on the bases showcased his potential as a complete player.

Triple-A Breakthrough (2024)

Thomas began the 2024 season with the Double-A Midland RockHounds and continued his impressive development. In mid-June 2024, he earned a promotion to the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, representing another significant step in his progression. Across 132 games split between both affiliates, Thomas batted .277 with 31 home runs, 92 runs batted in, and 15 stolen bases. His 31 home runs demonstrated his emerging power stroke, while his consistent batting average indicated his ability to make solid contact at every level. Following the minor league season, Thomas joined Team USA for the Premier12 Tournament in Tokyo, gaining invaluable international experience representing his country.

Oakland Athletics Era (2025-Present)

Thomas opened the 2025 season with the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators and made an immediate impact, hitting a home run in the team’s season opener. In 76 appearances for Las Vegas, he slashed .297/.365/.542 with 17 home runs, 70 runs batted in, and seven stolen bases, posting an on-base plus slugging percentage near .900. His strong performance earned him a spot on the 40-man roster, and on June 30, 2025, he was promoted to the major leagues for the first time. Thomas made his MLB debut that same night as a pinch-hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

The following day, Thomas recorded his first MLB hit, a double off Shane Baz. He continued to settle into the major league level, and on August 9, 2025, he hit his first MLB home run, a two-run shot off Mitchell Parker of the Washington Nationals. Thomas appeared in 49 games for the Athletics during his rookie campaign, hitting .225 with six home runs and 19 runs batted in. Through June 19, 2026, he has maintained a .228 batting average with eight home runs and 25 runs batted in across his brief MLB career.

Playing Style and Strengths

Thomas has established himself as an athletic outfielder with a blend of power and speed. His minor league numbers consistently showed his ability to hit for average while also providing home run pop and stolen base threat. His experience in the Cape Cod Baseball League and his rapid climb through the minor leagues demonstrated his adaptability to different competition levels and his capacity to make adjustments. His arm strength and range in the outfield complement his offensive contributions.

Notable Achievements

Thomas’s career highlights include his selection to Team USA for the 2024 Premier12 Tournament in Tokyo, where he earned a medal representing the United States. His first MLB home run on August 9, 2025, marked a significant milestone in his professional career. Additionally, his strong 2024 minor league season with 31 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A showcased his emerging power capabilities.

Colby Thomas Career Statistics

Thomas has accumulated impressive statistics across his minor league career before establishing himself in Major League Baseball. His consistent performance at every level of the minor leagues indicated his readiness for the major league challenge.

Major League Baseball Highlights

Through June 19, 2026, Thomas has appeared in 49 games with the Oakland Athletics, compiling a batting average of .228 with eight home runs and 25 runs batted in. His first MLB hit came as a double against Shane Baz, and he followed that with his first MLB home run later in the 2025 season. His most productive minor league season came in 2024 with 31 home runs between Midland and Las Vegas.

Minor League Highlights

Thomas’s minor league career demonstrated consistent improvement and development. In 2023, he combined for 18 home runs and 82 runs batted in across Single-A and High-A. His 2024 season represented a breakout year, as he hit 31 home runs and drove in 92 runs while batting .277 across two levels.

Colby Thomas Family

Personal Life

Thomas continues to maintain connections to his Georgia roots while pursuing his professional baseball career. He has built a social media presence, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. His rapid rise through the minor leagues and quick arrival to the major leagues has generated significant attention within the baseball community and among Oakland Athletics fans.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked Thomas’s transition from minor league prospect to major league player. After an impressive start with the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, where he posted a .297 batting average with 17 home runs in 76 games, he earned his promotion to Oakland in late June. His debut came against the Tampa Bay Rays, and he quickly recorded his first MLB hit the following day. The highlight of his rookie season came in August when he hit his first major league home run, a two-run shot against the Washington Nationals. Thomas appeared in 49 games total, hitting six home runs and driving in 19 runs while learning the nuances of major league pitching. His experience with Team USA during the 2024 Premier12 Tournament provided valuable international exposure that helped prepare him for the pressures of professional baseball. The Athletics organization has shown confidence in his development, and Thomas appears positioned to play an increasingly important role in the team’s outfield as he continues to gain experience at the highest level.