Rookie phenom Nick Kurtz makes MLB history with a four home run game for the Oakland Athletics, becomes first ever rookie to do so. Explore Nick Kurtz stats, Kurtz MLB rise, Athletics – Astros showdown and the reason he’s leading the A’s Rookie of the Year race.
Nick Kurtz Intro & Background
Nick Kurtz is a 22 years old first baseman nicknamed “Big Amish” by teammates has become the face of the Oakland Athletics’ rebuild in 2025. Drafted fourth overall in 2024 from Wake Forest, Kurtz made his MLB debut on 23rd April, 2025 after just 32 minor league games, and immediately left his mark. Grounded in plate discipline and with elite power and he’s blazing through pitching staffs and record books alike.
Nick Kurtz Stats & Career Trajectory
Rookie Production & Power Pace
- Nick kurts in only 66 games, Kurtz recorded 23 home runs, 59 RBIs, and a slash line near .305/.374/.686 with a 1.060 OPS.
- He was leading all MLB rookies in home runs, RBIs, and extra base hits (43).
- His home-run-per-PA rate suggests a 44 HR pace over a full season.
Offensive Accolades & Awards
- Named American League Player of the Week following a stellar series in Cleveland: batting .583 with multiple extra-base hits across three games.
- His extra-base hit count (38 in 65 games) set an Athletics franchise rookie record.
Early College & Draft Background
- At Wake Forest: record-walking leader, .531 OBP sophomore year, 22 HRs in one season, multiple All-American honors.
Historic 4 Home Runs in a match against Astros
25th July, 2025, during an impressive Athletics vs Astros game happened at Daikin Park, Nick Kurtz erupted for four home runs, making him the first rookie in MLB history to achieve the feat. He achieved 6 hits in 6 at bats and scored six runs. He was knocked in eight runs and tied the MLB record for a single game total bases with 19.
- Kurtz homered off four different Astros pitchers, three to the opposite field.
- The performance cemented his status among elite A’s history and across MLB legends .
NICK KURTZ IS UNBELIEVABLE 🫨 pic.twitter.com/uktDKzFKa2
— Athletics (@Athletics) July 26, 2025
Nick Kurtz MLB Impact & Athletics Outlook
A’s Rebuilding Star
Nick Kurtz and rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson have emerged as the young core for Oakland. After Wilson cooled off midseason, Kurtz surged to the forefront of the AL Rookie of the Year race, now the leader in most betting markets with –325 odds vs. Wilson’s +250.
Advanced Metrics
- His wRC+ since May 20 leads MLB at 209 among qualifiers, and his 18 homers during that stretch rank top three in the American League.
- His barrel rate (16.1 %) and exit velocity (91.8 mph) place him in the top percentile tiers.
Room for Growth
- Strikeout rate remains elevated (~32 %), but tradeoffs include elite power output. Defensive improvement and plate discipline are areas to refine.
Broader MLB News & Relevance
Athletics – Astros Game Highlights
- The blowout not only highlighted Kurtz’s dominance but revealed Astros’ pitching decline and roster strains.
MLB Rookie Trends & Historical Comparisons
- Kurtz’s 19 homers as a previous-year draftee place him among company with names like Bo Jackson, Barry Bonds’ early output and Bob Horner. He ranks seventh all time in that category and first in slugging percentage for such players .