The Athletics have formally approached first baseman Nick Kurtz about a long-term contract extension, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Kurtz, 22, was selected fourth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest and quickly established himself as a cornerstone talent. The terms of the offer, including total value and length, have not been disclosed.
Breakout Rookie Campaign
After earning a call-up in late April 2025, Kurtz delivered one of the most impressive rookie seasons in franchise history. In 116 games, he posted a .290 batting average with 36 home runs, 86 RBIs, and a 1.002 OPS, earning American League Rookie of the Year honors.
Advanced metrics further underscored his impact. According to Baseball Savant, Kurtz ranked in the 92nd percentile in average exit velocity at 92.7 mph and the 98th percentile in both barrel rate at 18.4 percent and bat speed at 77.2 mph. While graded as an average runner and below-average defender at first base, his offensive ceiling positions him as a potential franchise centerpiece entering his age-23 season.
Kurtz also etched his name into the record books in 2025. In one historic performance, he went 6-for-6 with four home runs, becoming the only Athletics player to hit four home runs in a single game and just the 20th player in Major League history to accomplish the feat. According to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, Kurtz was also the first rookie in league history to hit four home runs in a game during his debut season.
Organizational Commitment to Youth
Sherman noted that the Athletics have already prioritized locking up young core players, including Jacob Wilson, Lawrence Butler, and Tyler Soderstrom. Securing Kurtz long term before he reaches arbitration eligibility would follow that same blueprint.
The organization is building around a young nucleus as it prepares for a new chapter. After finishing fourth in the American League West with a 76-86 record last season, the Athletics are concluding their temporary stay in Sacramento before an anticipated move to Las Vegas prior to the 2028 season, as previously reported by ESPN.
By investing in emerging stars, the Athletics are signaling a long-term vision centered on stability and competitiveness. Whether the two sides finalize an agreement in the coming weeks or months remains uncertain, but the intent is clear: Kurtz is viewed as a foundational piece for the franchise’s future.
