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Athletics' Nick Kurtz gets 100% real on AL ROY competition with teammate

Athletics Prospect Nick Kurtz Impresses with Raw Power, Earning High Praise in Early Evaluations

In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball prospects, few names have generated as much buzz in recent months as Nick Kurtz, the Oakland Athletics' first-round draft pick from the 2024 MLB Draft. Selected fourth overall out of Wake Forest University, Kurtz has quickly become a focal point for an Athletics organization in the midst of a rebuild, desperate for young talent to anchor its future lineup. While the young first baseman is still navigating the early stages of his professional career, recent reports and evaluations have highlighted his exceptional raw power, with exit velocities consistently hitting the upper echelons—often touching or exceeding 100 mph during batting practice and game simulations. This isn't just a fleeting highlight; it's a testament to Kurtz's potential as a middle-of-the-order slugger who could redefine the A's offensive identity in the years to come.

Kurtz's journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he first made waves in high school at Lancaster Catholic, where his combination of size, athleticism, and hitting prowess drew comparisons to some of the game's great power hitters. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at around 230 pounds, Kurtz possesses the prototypical build for a first baseman with prodigious power. His college tenure at Wake Forest only amplified his reputation. Over three seasons with the Demon Deacons, Kurtz showcased an advanced approach at the plate, blending patience, discipline, and raw strength. In his junior year, he posted eye-popping numbers, including a batting average north of .350, an on-base percentage that flirted with .500, and a slugging percentage that underscored his ability to drive the ball with authority. He led the team in home runs, often launching balls into the stratosphere during ACC play, which helped Wake Forest make deep runs in the College World Series.

What sets Kurtz apart, however, is not just his statistical output but the underlying metrics that scouts and analysts rave about. His ability to generate exit velocities in the triple digits—regularly clocking in at 100 mph or higher—places him in elite company among prospects. For context, in the modern game, where data analytics reign supreme, exit velocity is a key indicator of a hitter's power potential. Players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have built Hall of Fame-caliber careers on similar traits, and Kurtz's early showings suggest he could follow a similar trajectory. During his initial workouts with the Athletics' minor league affiliates, coaches noted how effortlessly he achieves these speeds, often with a smooth, left-handed swing that generates tremendous bat speed and leverage. "It's not forced; it's natural," one Athletics scout was quoted as saying in team evaluations. "When he connects, the ball just explodes off the bat. We're talking about the kind of power that can change games."

The Athletics' decision to draft Kurtz fourth overall was a calculated one, especially in a draft class loaded with high-upside talent. With picks like Travis Bazzana going first to the Guardians and Charlie Condon to the Rockies, Oakland saw Kurtz as the perfect fit for their needs—a corner infielder with plus power and a mature approach that could accelerate his path to the majors. The organization, still reeling from years of roster turnover and the impending move from Oakland, views Kurtz as a cornerstone piece. General Manager David Forst emphasized this during the draft, noting Kurtz's "elite plate discipline" and "ability to impact the ball like few others in this class." Indeed, Kurtz's walk rate in college was among the best in the nation, often drawing comparisons to players like Bryce Harper in terms of selectivity and power.

But Kurtz's ascent hasn't been without its challenges. Like many college hitters transitioning to pro ball, he's had to adjust to the rigors of wooden bats and more advanced pitching. In his brief stint in the Arizona Complex League following the draft, Kurtz showed flashes of brilliance but also the expected growing pains. He homered in his first professional at-bat, a towering shot that reportedly traveled over 400 feet, but he also struck out at a higher clip than in college, a reminder that refinement is needed. Athletics hitting coordinators have been working closely with him on maintaining his swing mechanics under fatigue and against off-speed pitches, areas where his power can sometimes lead to over-swinging. "The tools are there," said minor league hitting coach Tommy Everidge. "It's about harnessing that 100 mph exit velo into consistent contact. Once he does, watch out."

Beyond the on-field attributes, Kurtz's makeup has been a significant selling point. Described by coaches and teammates as a tireless worker with a high baseball IQ, he's already taken on a leadership role in the A's farm system. Stories from Wake Forest paint a picture of a player who spent extra hours in the cages, studying film, and mentoring younger teammates. This dedication was evident during the pre-draft process, where he impressed teams with his maturity during interviews and workouts. The Athletics, in particular, were drawn to his resilience; Kurtz battled through a minor shoulder injury in his sophomore year but bounced back stronger, posting career-highs in power numbers the following season.

As Kurtz continues to develop, the comparisons to established stars will only grow. Some scouts liken him to Matt Olson, the former Athletic who became a perennial All-Star with the Braves, thanks to similar left-handed power and defensive prowess at first base. Others see shades of Freddie Freeman in his plate discipline and ability to hit for average. Defensively, Kurtz is no slouch either. His size and athleticism make him a reliable target at first base, with soft hands and good footwork around the bag. While not a Gold Glove candidate immediately, his defensive metrics from college suggest he could become an above-average defender, adding another layer to his value.

Looking ahead, the Athletics' timeline for Kurtz is aggressive but realistic. With the team likely to contend in the AL West sometime in the mid-2020s, Kurtz could make his MLB debut as early as 2026, provided he progresses through the minors without major setbacks. The organization's player development staff is optimistic, pointing to his quick adaptation and the raw tools that already set him apart. In an era where power hitters are at a premium, Kurtz's ability to consistently produce 100 mph exit velocities positions him as a potential game-changer.

For fans of the Athletics, who have endured lean years, Kurtz represents hope. He's not just a prospect; he's a symbol of the franchise's commitment to building from within. As he hones his skills in the coming seasons, the baseball world will be watching closely. If his early indicators are any sign, Nick Kurtz could very well become the next big thing in Oakland—or wherever the team calls home next. His power, poise, and potential make him a prospect worth investing in, and the Athletics seem to have struck gold with this selection.

In the broader context of MLB's draft landscape, Kurtz's profile underscores a shift toward valuing measurable power over pure athleticism. Teams are increasingly prioritizing players who can impact the ball with velocity and distance, metrics that correlate strongly with major league success. Kurtz fits this mold perfectly, and his development will be a case study in how raw talent translates to stardom. As he continues to rack up those impressive exit velos, the hype train shows no signs of slowing down.

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