Who are A's next wave of young stars?

This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos' A's Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Over the past two years, the A’s farm system has seen young talent such as Lawrence Butler, Mason Miller, Zack Gelof, Shea Langeliers and Tyler Soderstrom graduate from prospect status to now being considered part of the club’s next core of winning baseball.

The wave of talent does not end there, as more prospects are expected to supplement that group in 2025. Here’s a look at some young players who could make an impact next season:

3 players who forced their way onto the radar this year

1B Nick Kurtz (A's No. 2 prospect/MLB's No. 45 prospect)

Kurtz wreaked havoc on Minor League pitching immediately after being selected fourth overall by the A’s in the 2024 MLB Draft. The 21-year-old first baseman earned a promotion to Double-A Midland after playing the first seven games of his professional career with Single-A Stockton, where he slashed .400/.571/.960 with four home runs, two doubles and 12 RBIs.

The only thing that slowed down Kurtz was a hamstring injury shortly after his debut at Double-A, which caused him to miss the end of the season. The A’s are hopeful to get Kurtz some at-bats in this year’s Arizona Fall League before he enters his first full professional season in 2025, which could see him reach the big leagues if the success continues.

OF Henry Bolte (A's No. 5 prospect)

We heard all about the exciting raw tools Bolte possessed when the A’s drafted him out of Palo Alto High School in 2022. As the 21-year-old Bolte continues to grow into his 6-foot-3 frame, those tools keep flourishing on the diamond.

In 123 games between High-A Lansing and Double-A, Bolte racked up 55 extra-base hits and 46 stolen bases while also posting an .833 OPS. Currently putting the finishing touches on his strong season by playing in the Arizona Fall League, Bolte very well could find himself knocking on the door of the Major Leagues in 2025.

RHP Gunnar Hoglund (No. 12)

Hoglund’s standing as a prospect in the A’s system underwent a bit of a rejuvenation. The right-hander had a strong performance this season after battling injuries upon his arrival from Toronto as the key prospect in the Matt Chapman trade in 2022.

The 24-year-old Hoglund earned a late-season promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas after an impressive campaign with Double-A in which he posted a 2.84 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP, 97 strikeouts and 27 walks in 104 2/3 innings. Hoglund’s resurgence should put him in line for a big league call next season.

2 possible breakout players to watch in 2025

OF Colby Thomas (No. 7)

Thomas was arguably the top-performing prospect in the entire A’s organization in 2024, hitting .277 with a .906 OPS, 31 homers, 44 doubles, five triples, 25 stolen bases and 92 RBIs in 132 games between Midland and Las Vegas. Thomas will likely get a strong look in front of the A’s Major League coaching staff this spring, and though breaking camp with the team is unlikely, expect to see him patrolling the A’s outfield at some point next year.

RHP Mason Barnett (No. 6)

One of three prospects acquired from the Royals for Lucas Erceg at the 2024 Trade Deadline, Barnett was immediately ranked as the second-best pitching prospect in the A’s organization. He lived up to that billing with Midland by posting a 2.61 ERA with 52 strikeouts and 13 walks across 41 1/3 innings and seven starts. With a four-pitch mix featuring a fastball that tops out at 96 mph as well as a good biting slider, Barnett’s early showing makes him a candidate for a rapid ascent through the system.

1 big question for next season

How long until we see Kurtz?

The A’s have made it clear that they will not hesitate to fast track a top prospect to the Majors. They called up Mason Miller two years ago after just 11 games of Minor League experience. No. 1 prospect Jacob Wilson earned his way up to the big leagues in 2024 just 376 days from the date he was selected sixth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. So, if Kurtz hits the ground running like the A’s expect next season, the countdown to his Major League debut will quickly become a storyline.