Nick Kurtz: The Next Big Thing in Baseball?

From Wake Forest to the A's: How Nick Kurtz Became a Top Draft Pick

The Oakland Athletics selected Nick Kurtz in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, betting on a left-handed slugger with a .400+ batting average and elite power numbers from Wake Forest. His advanced plate discipline and smooth swing drew immediate comparisons to top MLB hitters, signaling the A's commitment to rebuilding around young talent.

Kurtz hit over .400 with an OPS above 1.200 in his final college season, leading the ACC in home runs and walks.

That production made him one of the most polished bats in the draft class. Scouts praised his ability to recognize spin and drive the ball to all fields, projecting him as a middle-of-the-order threat with a high floor. The A's, in the midst of a rebuild ahead of their move to Las Vegas, made Kurtz a cornerstone of their future lineup.

• Kurtz was a standout at Wake Forest, posting a .400+ batting average and elite power numbers in 2024.
• He was selected in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics, signaling their commitment to rebuilding with young sluggers.
• His smooth left-handed swing and advanced plate discipline drew comparisons to top MLB hitters.

Kurtz moved quickly through the minors, reaching Triple-A by mid-2025 and earning a call-up to the majors in June.

A Power Display in Houston: Kurtz's First MLB Homer

On June 8, 2025, Nick Kurtz crushed a pitch to right field at Daikin Park in Houston, hitting his first MLB home run in a 5-0 Athletics victory over the Astros. The solo shot came off a 94 mph fastball, a no-doubt drive that showcased the raw power the A's drafted him for.

Kurtz finished the game 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs, also adding a two-run single in a strong all-around performance. The homer was his eighth in his first 30 games, putting him on pace for 40 over a full season.

Kurtz's early performance—batting .275 with 8 home runs in his first 30 games—suggests he can be a middle-of-the-order threat from day one.

• On June 8, 2025, Kurtz homered in a 5-0 A's win over the Astros at Daikin Park, crushing a pitch to right field.
• The home run was part of a breakout game where he went 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs, showing his ability to drive in runs against elite pitching.
• Kurtz's early performance (batting .275 with 8 HRs in first 30 games) suggests he can be a middle-of-the-order threat.

His ability to produce against a team like the Astros—with their strong pitching staff—validated the A's belief that his bat is ready for the big leagues.

The Rookie's Role in the A's Rebuild: Short-Term Production, Long-Term Potential

Kurtz is part of a wave of young talent that includes Brent Rooker and other prospects, forming the core the A's are building around as they prepare for their move to Las Vegas. His advanced approach at the plate—a low strikeout rate for a power hitter—gives him a high floor as a consistent run producer.

Kurtz's strikeout rate of 18% is well below the league average for power hitters, reflecting a disciplined approach that should translate to sustained success.

Defensively, Kurtz is still developing at first base, where his range and footwork need refinement. But his bat will carry him if he can maintain an OPS above .850. The A's plan to keep him in the lineup daily, letting him grow through his rookie struggles.

• Kurtz is part of a wave of young talent (along with players like Brent Rooker) that the A's are building around for their move to Las Vegas.
• His advanced approach at the plate (low strikeout rate for a power hitter) gives him a high floor as a consistent run producer.
• Defensively, Kurtz is still developing at first base, but his bat will carry him if he can maintain OPS above .850.

If he continues on this trajectory, Kurtz will be a key piece for the A's not just in their final years in Oakland, but in their new Las Vegas era.

Key Takeaways

• Nick Kurtz was a top-5 draft pick out of Wake Forest, known for his elite bat-to-ball skills and power.
• He homered in his first series against the Astros, proving he can handle big league pitching.
• Kurtz projects as a .280/.370/.500 hitter with 30+ home run potential annually.
• He is a centerpiece of the A's rebuild, expected to contribute immediately and for years to come.
• His development will be crucial as the team transitions to Las Vegas in the coming seasons.
• Scouts believe his blend of power and discipline makes him a future All-Star candidate.