At just 22 years old, Nick Kurtz is already a towering figure—both literally and metaphorically—in the world of baseball. But here's where it gets controversial: can a player so young, so unassuming, truly handle the pressure of being the AL Rookie of the Year? As Kurtz steps into his second season with the Oakland Athletics, all eyes are on him to see if he can build on his spectacular debut. Yet, despite the fanfare, Kurtz remains remarkably grounded, blending seamlessly into the clubhouse and sticking to his low-key offseason routine of chilling, playing video games, and watching movies in his hometown of North Carolina.
Kurtz himself admits, 'I'm not one to embrace the spotlight,' but he’s quick to add, 'I use the expectations as fuel.' This mindset is a key part of his success, and it’s something his teammates and coaches admire. A's Manager Mark Kotsay praises Kurtz’s humility, saying, 'He’s the same guy every day—grateful, focused, and unchanging.' And this is the part most people miss: Kurtz’s ability to stay grounded might just be his greatest strength.
Last season, Kurtz batted .290 with 36 home runs, 86 RBIs, and a 1.002 OPS in 117 games, becoming just the eighth rookie since 1901 to finish with an OPS above 1.000 in at least 400 plate appearances. His historic four-homer game in July against the Houston Astros cemented his status as a rising star. But what’s it like to watch him day in and day out? Teammate Zack Gelof jokes, 'It’s extremely annoying—I’ll never hit it opposite field like that!'
Kurtz is determined to help the A’s build on their late-season momentum from last year’s 76-86 finish and make a stronger push in the AL West. He’s particularly excited about the young core of the team, many of whom are locked into long-term contracts. 'My plan is to be here for as long as I can,' Kurtz says. 'When we move to Las Vegas in 2028, I want to be part of turning this club into a winner.'
But here’s a thought-provoking question: Can a team so young and relatively inexperienced truly contend in one of baseball’s toughest divisions? Kurtz believes they can, and his confidence is infectious. When the AL Rookie of the Year award was announced, he celebrated quietly with his teammates in Maui, Hawaii, for Tyler Soderstrom’s wedding—a moment of joy without the flashiness that defines many young stars.
This offseason, Kurtz focused on staying strong and healthy, sticking to his tried-and-true routine. 'If it worked last year, let’s do it again this year,' he says. His approach resonates with teammates like center fielder Denzel Clarke, who notes, 'He’s just a very calm, chill guy who’s going to be himself.'
Selected No. 4 in the 2024 draft out of Wake Forest, Kurtz quickly impressed the A’s with his maturity. Kotsay recalls, 'He learned to focus on his process, not just the results, and that’s rare for a player so young.'
As Kurtz steps into his second season, the question remains: Can he sustain his success and lead the A’s to new heights? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Kurtz the real deal, or is the pressure too much for a player so early in his career? Let us know in the comments!
