Athletics’ Henry Bolte Works To Simplify Approach
Henry Bolte grew up in Palo Alto attending Athletics games with his father.
So when the A’s drafted him in the second round in 2022, it meant just a little bit more.
While the A’s have moved out of Oakland Coliseum, Bolte is making adjustments to reach the big leagues all the same. Now, the 21-year-old outfielder is working to simplify his approach at the plate.
“I’m trying to get to a good hitting position—on time more consistently—and I think that allows you to deliver a good swing on a lot of pitches,” Bolte said after the Spring Breakout game. “To have adjustability and make more contact.
“So really (I’m) just loading a little bit earlier and a little bit simpler, getting to my launch position.”
Last season at High-A Lansing and Double-A Midland, Bolte hit .267/.368/.466 with 15 home runs and 46 stolen bases in 123 games. He struck out nearly 35% of the time.
“He gets a little streaky, but when you draft guys like that, you’re betting on the ceiling,” A’s farm director Ed Sprague said. “You’re never sure where the floor is going to land, and the ceiling is as high as it gets in terms of his athleticism and all his tools that he comes with.”
Bolte takes pride in his defense in right field and center. He credits early work routines for his strong play and said that batting practice is a great time to get that work in.
He takes even more pride in his speed, which never slumps. “I was born quick. I don’t know,” Bolte laughed.
“You’re not always able to get hits,” he said, “and so being able to impact the game like that, whether or not I’m on the bases or even breaking up plays, forcing errors is something that just never really takes a day off.”
Bolte knows it takes time to learn the finer points of baserunning, outfield play and taking a professional at-bat. He embraces the minor league journey and where it could lead.
“You want to make sure, most importantly, when you get to the big leagues, you’re ready and you can help the team win and impact them,” he said.
