The Oakland Athletics are making headlines as they prepare to call up their top prospect, Nick Kurtz, for his highly anticipated Major League debut. Scheduled to join the team ahead of their home series against the Texas Rangers, Kurtz's promotion comes on the heels of a stellar performance in the Minor Leagues, where he has been nothing short of sensational. At just 22 years old, the first baseman has quickly risen through the ranks, showcasing a powerful left-handed bat that has drawn attention across baseball.
According to MLB.com’s Martin Gallegos, Kurtz will officially be added to the A’s roster during their six-game homestand, which kicks off on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. While the team has not confirmed the exact timing of his activation, it is likely he will debut against left-hander Patrick Corbin, with the A’s possibly opting to wait until Wednesday to officially announce the move.
Drafted fourth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest University, Kurtz has made a significant impact in a short time. In just 20 games with Triple-A Las Vegas this season, he has posted an impressive .321 batting average, along with seven home runs and 24 RBIs. His performance at the plate has been complemented by a robust .385 on-base percentage and a staggering .655 slugging percentage, leading to an impressive 1.121 OPS. Such numbers have solidified his status as the club’s No. 1 prospect and earned him recognition as the No. 35 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline.
“In a lot of ways, he reminds us of Matt Olson,” said Athletics scouting director Eric Kubota, highlighting Kurtz’s potential and power-hitting capabilities. “Nick was the first person on our list in January when we met. He was the No. 1 pick on our board then, and he still was No. 1 on our board now.”
Kurtz's journey to the big leagues has been remarkable, especially considering he has played only 32 games in the Minor Leagues. Last season, he began his professional career with Single-A Stockton, where he dominated with a .400 batting average, four home runs, and 12 RBIs in just seven games. His success earned him a swift promotion to Double-A Midland, where he continued to impress before a hamstring injury cut his season short.
Fast forward to the start of the 2025 season, and Kurtz has not missed a beat. He has led the Minor Leagues with his seven home runs, showcasing not only his power but also his ability to drive the ball to all fields. His advanced approach at the plate, which includes a keen eye for pitches, has made him a formidable presence in the lineup. In addition to his home run total, Kurtz has also drawn ten walks, demonstrating his patience and discipline at the plate.
As the A’s prepare for Kurtz’s arrival, there are questions about where he will fit into the lineup. Currently, Tyler Soderstrom is manning first base and enjoying a breakout season, which may lead to a rotation among first base, designated hitter, and possibly the outfield. Manager Mark Kotsay has indicated that Kurtz’s flexibility could be an asset, allowing him to contribute in various roles as the team seeks to improve from their current standing at the bottom of the AL West with a 10-12 record.
Kurtz’s presence is expected to bolster an already promising lineup that includes other young talents such as outfielder Lawrence Butler and catcher Shea Langeliers. The Athletics are hopeful that Kurtz's powerful bat will help turn their season around, and they are excited to see how he will handle the challenges of Major League pitching.
“We saw in Spring Training how advanced he is for his age,” Kotsay noted, emphasizing Kurtz’s ability to make adjustments and handle pressure. “For a young player in his first full season to have the start that he’s had, it’s pretty impressive.”
As fans gear up for Kurtz’s debut, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the A’s. The franchise has a rich history of developing talent, and Kurtz’s rapid ascent is a testament to their scouting and player development efforts. With the potential to become a cornerstone player for the franchise, Kurtz’s debut is not just about one game; it represents a new chapter for the Athletics as they look to build a competitive team for the future.
In conclusion, Nick Kurtz’s journey from a promising college player to a top MLB prospect is a story of hard work, talent, and determination. As he steps onto the field for the first time in a Major League uniform, all eyes will be on him to see if he can continue his success at the highest level of baseball. The Athletics and their fans are undoubtedly hoping that this young slugger will be the spark their team needs to ignite a turnaround this season.
