Nick Kurtz

Nick Kurtz is an American professional baseball first baseman best known as one of the most powerful young hitters in Major League Baseball and a cornerstone player for the Athletics. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Kurtz developed into an elite left-handed hitter with rare size, plate discipline, and power. Before becoming a professional star, he was a standout prep athlete who played baseball and basketball and eventually emerged as one of the top college baseball prospects in the country.

Kurtz played college baseball at Wake Forest University, where he quickly became one of the most feared hitters in the Atlantic Coast Conference. As a freshman in 2022, he made an immediate impact for the Demon Deacons and earned Freshman All-American honors. His combination of power, patience, and defensive ability at first base helped establish him as a key part of Wake Forest’s rise into national prominence.

During his sophomore season in 2023, Kurtz became one of college baseball’s premier offensive players. He was named First Team All-ACC, earned All-America recognition, and was selected as a semifinalist for both the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy. With his advanced approach at the plate, high on-base percentage, and home run power, he became one of the most difficult outs in the country.

Kurtz continued his strong college career in 2024 as a team captain and one of the top hitters in the nation. He again earned First Team All-ACC honors and finished his Wake Forest career with 61 home runs, 182 RBIs, and a 1.235 OPS over three seasons. He also set Wake Forest records for career walks and single-season walks, reinforcing his reputation as a disciplined power hitter with elite strike-zone awareness.

The Athletics selected Kurtz with the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft. As one of the highest-drafted first basemen in recent years, he immediately became one of the organization’s most important prospects. After a brief and productive climb through the minor leagues, Kurtz made his Major League Baseball debut on April 23, 2025.

Kurtz’s rookie season quickly became one of the biggest stories in baseball. Known by the nickname “Big Amish,” he brought immediate middle-of-the-order power to the Athletics lineup. In 2025, he hit .290 with 36 home runs, 86 RBIs, and a 1.002 OPS over 117 games, becoming one of the most productive rookie hitters of the modern era.

One of the signature moments of Kurtz’s rookie year came on July 25, 2025, when he became the first rookie in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game. In that historic performance against the Houston Astros, he went 6-for-6 with four home runs, eight RBIs, and 19 total bases, tying the major league single-game record for total bases.

Kurtz capped his breakout season by winning the 2025 American League Rookie of the Year Award unanimously. He also earned the American League Silver Slugger Award at first base and was named Second Team All-MLB. With his rare combination of power, patience, and early-career production, Nick Kurtz has quickly become one of the most collectible young stars in modern baseball cards and memorabilia.