Athletics Set to Call Up Top Prospect Nick Kurtz

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics are poised to promote top prospect Nick Kurtz to the major leagues, according to a report from Martín Gallegos of MLB.com. The 22-year-old first baseman has been making waves in Triple-A after an impressive start to the season.

Kurtz, drafted fourth overall last summer, opened this season with a robust .321 batting average and impressive .655 slugging percentage. In just 20 games, he has hit seven home runs and is among the league leaders in exit velocity. The Athletics have not yet officially announced the move but are expected to do so soon, as they currently have a 40-man roster vacancy which simplifies the promotion process.

After initially struggling with contact and a shoulder injury, Kurtz rebounded strongly, hitting 14 home runs over a ten-game stretch in early April. He also showed remarkable plate discipline during his collegiate career at Wake Forest, leading the NCAA with a remarkable 30% walk rate, a figure comparable to baseball legend Barry Bonds‘ 32% walk rate in 2002.

Despite questions from some evaluators regarding his extreme selectiveness at the plate, many believe Kurtz’s power, discipline, and ability to make solid contact will serve him well in the majors. Critics highlight concerns about his current profile as a collegiate first baseman, a position that has seen few successful first-round picks in recent years.

The Athletics’ decision to shift Brent Rooker to left field indicates they might be preparing for Kurtz’s arrival, allowing him to share duties at first base and designated hitter with fellow prospect Tyler Soderstrom. The A’s are looking to tap into Kurtz’s power potential, which is projected to rival that of established players in the league.

In 32 minor league games this season, Kurtz has maintained a .336/.432/.689 batting line, featuring a significant 15% walk rate. Despite a high strikeout rate of 24.5%, his impressive wRC+ of 171 indicates he has been 71% better than league average.

As the A’s await their next game, the baseball community is buzzing with anticipation about Kurtz’s potential impact. His ability to crush Triple-A pitching positions him as a rookie to watch when he makes his debut.

The Athletics’ decision to promote Kurtz reflects their confidence in his abilities and signals a potential turning point for the franchise as they look to build around young talent. As Kurtz prepares for his next chapter, many in the sport wonder just how impactful he will be for the Athletics this season.