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Slugger Nick Kurtz is making his way to the major leagues after just 45 games in professional baseball, with his home games set to take place in a minor-league facility. This is reflective of the Oakland Athletics’ recent relocation to Sacramento.
A scout from the National League expressed confidence in Kurtz’s readiness for the majors, emphasizing that while he might need further development under different circumstances, his skills at the plate appear advanced for someone at this stage. The scout noted the value of allowing young players, like Kurtz, to grow together within the franchise. He highlighted a group of promising talents, mentioning players like Lawrence Butler, Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, and Max Muncy as key contributors to the team’s future.
Kurtz has already demonstrated a strong offensive performance. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 240 pounds, the rookie is the third player from the 2024 MLB Draft to transition to the major leagues. At just 22 years of age, he was selected fourth overall and signed for $7 million following an impressive tenure at Wake Forest. He joins fellow draftees Cam Smith and Ryan Johnson, who also began the 2025 season on their respective MLB rosters.
Primarily playing first base, where Soderstrom has established himself, Kurtz is expected to debut as a designated hitter. This role was previously held by Brent Rooker, who hit 69 home runs in the last two seasons but is shifting to more outfield duties.
Kurtz excelled in college, achieving a batting average of .333 over 164 games at Wake Forest, where he notched 61 home runs alongside 182 RBIs and 206 runs scored, all while successfully stealing 11 bases without being caught. Transitioning from a high school pitcher to a powerful hitter, his collegiate stats speak volumes about his offensive capabilities.
In the current season, Kurtz posted a .321 batting average with 7 home runs and 24 RBIs in just 20 games at Triple-A Las Vegas. His overall performance since signing last July includes a .341 average with 13 home runs, 13 doubles, and 48 RBIs across multiple levels of the minor leagues.
Evaluating the Pros and Cons
The Athletics had high hopes for Kurtz, ranking him second on their draft board and expressing delight at landing him. Although some teams opted for other prospects ahead of him, there was significant buzz surrounding Kurtz’s potential, with comparisons to Hall of Famer Jim Thome. Thome, like Kurtz, transitioned from third base to first base as his career progressed, underscoring the expected development curve.
Previous injuries, including a shoulder issue and a broken rib, raised some red flags regarding Kurtz’s durability. Nevertheless, a remarkable performance where he hit 14 home runs in a span of 10 games last April showcased his readiness. The concern for scouts lies in whether he might struggle against more experienced pitching and deviate from his disciplined hitting approach.
Examining Other Notable Left-Handed Sluggers
Thome’s path to stardom is reminiscent of many left-handed hitters who required refinement in their early careers. Comparisons arise with players such as Ryan Howard, who found success early on with the Phillies and became a prolific slugger, or Chris Davis and Joey Gallo, who had tumultuous paths marred by high strikeout rates and batting averages that ultimately faltered.
Kurtz possesses the potential to achieve similar success but perhaps with more consistent contact and less reliance on strikeouts. His ability to produce runs and maintain a respectable batting average could set him apart from those who have struggled in the majors.
The Future for Slugger Nick Kurtz
Scouts generally predict a prosperous future for Kurtz as a powerful slugger, equipped with a good eye for the ball and the ability to generate runs. While the memories of past left-handed sluggers’ challenges loom large, they also highlight the excitement that accompanies powerful hitters in the league.
With his promising career on the horizon, Nick Kurtz stands to invigorate the Athletics’ lineup and engage fans in Sacramento and the potential new market in Las Vegas. His journey embodies the thrill of baseball, where each swing carries the hope of achieving greatness.
Source
www.forbes.com