Nicholas Kurtz: Oakland’s Rookie Sensation and the Future of Power Hitting in MLB

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A Look at the Record-Breaking First Baseman Turning Heads Across Baseball

🔹 Introduction

Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz (b. March 12, 2003) is quickly emerging as one of Major League Baseball’s most electrifying young stars. The 22-year-old first baseman for the Oakland Athletics has captivated fans and analysts alike with a unique combination of size, power, plate discipline, and poise in high-pressure situations.

From a small-town upbringing in Pennsylvania to becoming the first rookie in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game, Kurtz's meteoric rise is rewriting expectations for modern prospects.

🧒 Early Life & Athletic Foundations

Lancaster Roots

Hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Kurtz was immersed in baseball from his earliest days. Raised in a supportive, sports-loving family—parents Jeff and Marie and siblings Brandon, Logan, and Grace—he began playing T-ball by age four and quickly distinguished himself with elite hand-eye coordination.

By his pre-teen years, he was representing the United States on the 12-and-under national baseball team, indicating a rare level of early development.

High School at Baylor School

Kurtz later enrolled at the prestigious Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A two-sport standout, he earned seven varsity letters in baseball and basketball and was named All-Region in both. His left-handed swing and advanced approach at the plate attracted national attention, cementing his place among the top recruits in the country.

🏆 Collegiate Dominance at Wake Forest

At Wake Forest University, Kurtz evolved into one of the most feared hitters in college baseball. His offensive resume includes:

  • .330+ career batting average

  • 61 home runs over three seasons

  • 182 RBIs and a career OPS of 1.235

  • Division I-leading .498 OBP in 2024 with 78 walks

Originally recruited as a pitcher, Kurtz transitioned full-time to hitting—a decision that catalyzed one of the most productive college careers in recent memory. He earned back-to-back First Team All-ACC honors and broke school records for walks in both a single season and career.

📈 2024 MLB Draft & Professional Debut

The Oakland Athletics selected Kurtz with the 4th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, signing him to a $7 million bonus on July 22, 2024.

He began his professional career across Single-A Stockton and Double-A Midland, posting a blistering .368 average, .763 slugging, and 4 HRs in just 32 games before a minor injury ended his season.

🌟 Rapid Rise to the Majors

MLB Debut

On April 23, 2025, Kurtz made his MLB debut against the Texas Rangers, recording his first major league hit in his first game. Just three weeks later, he launched his first home run—an opposite-field shot off the Dodgers’ J.P. Feyereisen.

Early Career Highlights

  • June 16, 2025: Walk-off 447-foot home run against the Astros—longest A’s walk-off since 2015

  • By July 18:

    • .305 AVG, .374 OBP, .686 SLG

    • 23 home runs, 59 RBIs, 43 extra-base hits

    • 1.060 OPS, 187 OPS+, 3.3 WAR in just 66 games

These metrics position Kurtz not only as the leading rookie in the league but also among the most productive offensive players overall.

🔥 A Night for the History Books: Four Home Runs in One Game

July 25, 2025 – A Game That Made History

In a dominant performance against the Houston Astros, Kurtz became the first rookie in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game. He finished 6-for-6 with 8 RBIs, 6 runs, and 19 total bases, tying an all-time MLB record.

His home runs came against four different pitchers—including a 113.8 mph blast and a towering ninth-inning shot to seal a 15–3 victory. The baseball world erupted, and headlines the next day confirmed: Kurtz had arrived.

🎭 Persona, Style & Nickname: “Big Amish”

Kurtz’s physical presence (6'5", 240 lbs) and Lancaster roots inspired his nickname, “Big Amish.” After extra-base hits, he performs a quirky, fan-favorite celebration mimicking churning butter—a lighthearted nod to his hometown’s heritage.

He maintains exceptional home splits (1.089 OPS) and a calm demeanor off the field, endearing himself to fans, teammates, and media alike.

🧠 Maturity, Leadership & Focus

Despite the meteoric rise, Kurtz remains grounded. When informed of his MLB call-up, he reportedly mentioned it to his girlfriend mid-conversation—calmly and without fanfare. This quiet confidence reflects his overall presence: controlled, focused, and professional beyond his years.

📊 Outlook: A Franchise Cornerstone in the Making

Rookie of the Year Front-Runner

Kurtz is currently the leading candidate for American League Rookie of the Year, with his 23 home runs, high OBP, and elite slugging stats leading all first-year players.

Future Projections

  • 40+ HR potential

  • Elite walk-to-strikeout ratios

  • Core piece in Oakland’s rebuild

  • Potential multiple-time All-Star

Areas for continued growth include improving first-base defense and maintaining consistent production on the road. But if his current trajectory holds, he could become one of MLB’s premier power hitters for the next decade.

🧾 Career Highlights Recap

  • ✅ First rookie in MLB history with 4-HR game

  • ✅ 6-for-6 with 8 RBIs and 19 total bases (tied MLB record)

  • ✅ 4th overall pick, signed for $7 million

  • ✅ .305 AVG, 23 HRs, 59 RBIs in first 66 MLB games

  • ✅ Nicknamed “Big Amish” for his roots and celebration

  • ✅ Former Wake Forest star with .498 OBP in junior year

🏁 Conclusion

Nicholas Kurtz is more than a top draft pick—he is a generational offensive talent making history in real time. With immense raw power, elite discipline, and a charismatic presence both on and off the field, he is redefining what it means to be a rookie in Major League Baseball.

For the Oakland Athletics and baseball fans everywhere, the future looks bright—and it’s wearing No. 27 at first base.