Las Vegas Aviators outfielder Henry Bolte has been on a tear, and the Athletics’ top outfield prospect could soon be packing his bags for the big leagues. Bolte, ranked No. 5 in the A’s system by MLB Pipeline, leads the team in home runs (seven) and stolen bases (13) while batting .305 after a slow start. He has hits in 16 of his last 18 games.
“He’s just really focused on having a plan every time he steps into the batter’s box, and more often than not, he’s executing that plan,” Aviators manager Fran Riordan said. “It’s great to see him really turn it on and showcase what his offensive ability is all about.”
Bolte, 23, has been nearly perfect on the basepaths, getting caught stealing just once in 25 attempts at Triple-A — a streak that ended Thursday. He also owns the two hardest-hit home runs for Las Vegas this season: a 110.8 mph, 408-foot blast on April 24 and a 110.5 mph, 415-foot shot the night before.
Growing up in Palo Alto, Calif., Bolte was an Athletics fan who attended games at the Oakland Coliseum with his family. The A’s drafted him in the second round in 2022 out of Palo Alto High, and he chose to sign instead of attending the University of Texas. “It’s pretty surreal,” Bolte said. “That feeling of just stepping onto a big league field and putting on a big league uniform is awesome, and something that everyone dreams about.”
Bolte’s recent surge included back-to-back four-hit games against Tacoma last weekend. In Friday’s 11-7 win, he went 4-for-5 with three RBIs, three runs, a walk and a steal. Saturday, he had four more hits in a 4-3 loss, adding another stolen base. Bolte attributed his success to simplifying his approach and focusing on pitches he can drive.
“I’m just looking for a good pitch to get and that I can do damage on,” Bolte said. “Being able to zone in on what I want to hit, and where in the zone I want to attack, so I can do damage and not swing at some of those pitchers’ pitches that are there to get you out.”
Riordan noted Bolte’s improved discipline and ability to use the whole field, a contrast to last season. The Aviators (18-13) also welcomed third baseman Tommy White, the A’s No. 9 prospect, who was promoted from Double-A Midland last Monday. White got a hit in each of his first four games, including a 3-for-5, three-RBI performance Friday with a two-run homer. “Offensively, he was one of the better hitters in (spring training), and then he carried it over to the beginning of the season in Midland,” Riordan said. “He’s brought immediate impact to the table.”
The Aviators host the St. Paul Saints beginning Tuesday at Las Vegas Ballpark.
