Skip to Main Content
Now Playing

Share Video

Link copied!
Player Outlook
Jim Thome isn't a common comp for high-end draft prospects, but that's the type of player scouts envision Nick Kurtz becoming if he reaches his ceiling. The fourth-overall pick in 2024, Kurtz slashed .353/.450/.608 with two home runs and a 16:9 K:BB in 60 plate appearances in the Arizona Fall League after ending the regular season on the injured list at Double-A Midland due to a hamstring strain. Other than a general lack of athleticism and a bad body (listed at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds), Kurtz's only notable flaw is his injury history -- he missed time with random injuries while putting up cartoonish offensive numbers at Wake Forest (career 1.283 OPS, 46 home runs in 110 games his final two seasons). However, after slashing .368/.520/.763 with four homers in 12 games split between Single-A and Double-A before dominating in the AFL, Kurtz's track record of hitting pro pitching is arguably tops in the 2024 draft class. He could reach the majors this summer if he stays healthy and performs as expected.

Fantasy News

  • Athletics' Nick Kurtz: X-rays negative on hand

    Kurtz, who was hit by a pitch on his right hand during Saturday's game against the Rangers, underwent X-rays that came back negative, Jessica Kleinschmidt of TheComeback.com reports. Kurtz took a fastball off his hand in the seventh inning and was taken out of the game immediately. Initial imaging didn't reveal any fractures, but he'll continue to undergo tests to determine the severity of the injury.
    ... See More ... See Less
  • Athletics' Nick Kurtz: Hit by pitch, exits game

    Kurtz was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rangers after getting hit on the hand by a pitch, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. Kurtz took a 94-mph fastball off his hand in the seventh inning of Saturday's contest and was immediately replaced on the basepaths. The 22-year-old prospect will presumably undergo imaging to make sure he avoided serious damage, and the team should offer an update on his status in the near future.
    ... See More ... See Less
  • Athletics' Nick Kurtz: Invited to spring training

    The Athletics have extended Kurtz an invitation to big-league camp during spring training. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, Kurtz hit the ground running in his pro debut, slashing .368/.520/.763 with four homers in 12 games between Single-A Stockton and Double-A Midland. He then went on to mash in the Arizona Fall League as well with a 1.058 OPS in 13 contests. Kurtz, who will turn 22 in March, will likely go back to Midland to begin 2025 but could push to make his MLB debut late in the season if things go well.
    ... See More ... See Less
  • Athletics' Nick Kurtz: Finishes 2024 on high note

    Kurtz slashed .353/.450/.608 with two home runs and a 16:9 K:BB in 60 plate appearances in the Arizona Fall League. He ended the regular season on the injured list at Double-A Midland due to a hamstring strain, but Kurtz was able to make up for lost time in the AFL and end his 2024 on a high note. Other than a general lack of athleticism and a bad body (listed at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds), Kurtz's only notable flaw is his injury history -- he missed time with random injuries at Wake Forest. However, after slashing .368/.520/.763 with four homers in 12 games split between Single-A and Double-A before dominating in the AFL, Kurtz's track record of hitting pro pitching is arguably tops in the 2024 draft class.
    ... See More ... See Less
  • Athletics' Nick Kurtz: Making jump to Double-A

    Kurtz was promoted to Double-A Midland on Monday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. Kurtz will skip over High-A Lansing and jump directly to Midland after batting .400 with four home runs, 12 RBI and 11 runs scored over 25 at-bats on seven games with Single-A Stockton. The 21-year-old will look to continue his impressive early success at Double-A.
    ... See More ... See Less

Recent Tweets