Nick Kurtz Bio
Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz, nicknamed “Big Amish”, is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Kurtz developed into one of the most decorated amateur prospects in recent memory before the Athletics selected him fourth overall in the 2024 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in April 2025 and quickly established himself as a transformative talent, earning both the American League Rookie of the Year award and Silver Slugger Award in his inaugural season. The 6-foot-5 slugger is recognized for his exceptional power, plate discipline, and memorable celebrations paying homage to his Pennsylvania roots.
Early Life and Background
Nick Kurtz was born on March 12, 2003, to Marie and Jeff Kurtz in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His father worked in real estate, and his parents enrolled him in tee-ball when he was just four years old. Kurtz grew up in a baseball family with strong regional ties, eventually attending Manheim Township High School for his freshman year before transferring to the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He has two brothers and one sister, including older brother Logan Kurtz, who played collegiate baseball at Penn State Berks from 2012 to 2013.
During his high school years at Baylor School, Kurtz excelled both on the diamond and the basketball court, lettering all four years in baseball and three years in basketball. His exceptional talent became evident early, leading him to commit to Wake Forest University to play college baseball during his sophomore year. His coaches and teammates with the Athletics later bestowed upon him the nickname “Big Amish”, a jocular reference to his imposing 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame and his hometown of Lancaster, which has a significant Amish community. Kurtz himself is not Amish, though he embraced the nickname with a unique celebration: twirling his hands in a circular motion after home runs, paying homage to the Amish tradition of churning butter.
Path to Professional Baseball
Before reaching college, Kurtz represented the United States on the USA 12U National Team, winning a gold medal at the 2015 World Cup in Tainan. This international experience provided valuable exposure and helped shape his development as a national-level prospect. His high school career at Baylor School showcased his two-sport athleticism and consistent hitting ability, setting the stage for his transition to collegiate baseball at Wake Forest University.
Kurtz’s amateur career reached historic heights during his three seasons with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. As a freshman in 2022, he was named a freshman All-American after batting .338 with a .471 on-base percentage and .637 slugging percentage, producing 15 home runs and 56 runs batted in across 54 games. His sophomore campaign in 2023 proved even more dominant, as he posted a .353 batting average with a .527 on-base percentage and .784 slugging percentage, launching 24 home runs and driving in 69 runs over 56 games. These remarkable numbers earned him first team All-American honors from the American Baseball Coaches Association.
In his junior season of 2024, Kurtz served as team captain and continued his offensive dominance, slashing .306/.531/.763 with 22 home runs and 57 runs batted in. When he departed Wake Forest, he left as the program’s all-time leader in walks with 189, underscoring his exceptional plate discipline and pitch recognition abilities that would translate seamlessly to professional baseball.
Nick Kurtz Career
Minor League Development (2024)
Entering the 2024 MLB draft as a top prospect, Nick Kurtz attracted interest from multiple franchises seeking premium talent. The Oakland Athletics selected him with the fourth overall pick in the first round, securing the services of one of the most complete hitters in the draft class. On July 22, 2024, Kurtz signed with Oakland, receiving a $7 million signing bonus that reflected his elite status.
Rather than immediately challenging for a major league roster spot, the Athletics prioritized proper development for their prized prospect. Kurtz spent his first professional season split between the Single-A Stockton Ports and Double-A Midland RockHounds, adjusting to professional pitching and refining his approach against more experienced competition. This measured approach allowed him to acclimate to the professional game while building toward his eventual promotion.
Oakland Athletics Breakthrough (2025)
Kurtz began the 2025 season assigned to the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, where he continued to demonstrate the advanced hitting ability that made him a top prospect. After just 32 total games across professional competition, the Athletics promoted him to the major leagues on April 21, 2025, an unusually rapid ascent that reflected both his readiness and the organization’s confidence in his abilities.
He made his MLB debut two days later against the Texas Rangers, recording his first hit, an RBI single, in four at-bats. The pressure of major league pitching did not diminish his approach, as he demonstrated the same selective, disciplined hitting that characterized his amateur career. On May 13, 2025, Kurtz hit his first career home run, sending a pitch from J.P. Feyereisen of the Los Angeles Dodgers over the fence for a milestone moment in his young career.
His first career walk-off moment came on June 16, 2025, when he hit a dramatic two-run home run off Bryan Abreu of the Houston Astros to deliver the Athletics a 3-1 victory. The home run traveled a Statcast-projected 447 feet, making it the longest walk-off home run by an Athletics player since Statcast tracking began in 2015. This moment signaled Kurtz’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Historic Season (2025)
On July 25, 2025, Kurtz achieved a feat no rookie had ever accomplished in MLB history. He became the first rookie in major league history and the first Athletics player to hit four home runs in a single game, finishing the contest with six hits in six at-bats. The offensive explosion included two doubles, a single, and four home runs, accumulating 19 total bases to tie Shawn Green’s 23-year-old MLB record. All four home runs came against different Houston Astros pitchers, including position player Cooper Hummel, in a 15-3 Athletics victory.
Following this historic performance, Kurtz was named American League Player of the Month for July, posting a .395 batting average with a .480 on-base percentage and .953 slugging percentage, accumulating 24 runs, 11 home runs, and 27 runs batted in. He became the first Athletics player to win the award since Josh Donaldson in September 2013. On September 13, 2025, Kurtz hit a 493-foot grand slam off Scott Barlow of the Cincinnati Reds, establishing both the longest home run by an Athletics hitter since Statcast tracking began in 2015 and tying the longest home run recorded in the previous two years, matching Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kurtz’s offensive profile centers on exceptional power combined with elite plate discipline that exceeds expectations for a young power hitter. His 6-foot-5 frame generates impressive bat speed and leverage, producing opposite-field power while maintaining the ability to turn on pitches with devastating effect. His eye for pitches stands out as a defining characteristic, evidenced by his program-record walk totals at Wake Forest and his continued ability to work counts at the major league level. The partnership with his Athletics coaching staff has allowed him to refine his approach while maintaining the aggressive mindset that makes him dangerous in any count.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his statistical achievements, Kurtz’s 2025 season included several signature moments that defined his rookie campaign. His four-homer game on July 25 against Houston stands as the most memorable achievement, establishing him in MLB history as the first rookie to accomplish the feat. His 493-foot grand slam on September 13 represented the longest home run by an Athletics player since Statcast began tracking, while his 447-foot walk-off home run on June 16 showcased his ability to deliver in clutch situations. These milestone moments, combined with his sustained excellence throughout the season, earned him recognition as one of the most impactful rookies in recent memory.
Nick Kurtz Career Wins
Through his first season and into 2026, Nick Kurtz established himself as one of baseball’s most productive young hitters. His career statistics through June 26, 2026, include a .286 batting average, 55 home runs, and 150 runs batted in across major league competition. Beyond his regular-season production, Kurtz earned multiple prestigious awards in recognition of his exceptional rookie performance.
Major League Awards Highlights
Kurtz was honored with the American League Rookie of the Year award for the 2025 season, recognizing him as the top first-year player in his league. He also earned the Silver Slugger Award, given annually to the top offensive player at each position, signifying his status as the best-hitting first baseman in the American League. The four-homer game on July 25, 2025, remains the pinnacle of his young career, a historic achievement that no rookie had previously accomplished in MLB history.
International and Amateur Honors
Prior to his professional career, Kurtz represented the United States on the 12U National Team, winning a gold medal at the 2015 World Cup in Tainan. His three seasons at Wake Forest University produced multiple All-American honors, including freshman All-American recognition in 2022 and first team All-American honors from the American Baseball Coaches Association in 2023.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .286 |
| Home Runs | 55 |
| Runs Batted In | 150 |
Nick Kurtz Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Nick Kurtz was born to Marie and Jeff Kurtz on March 12, 2003, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His father Jeff works in real estate, while his mother Marie has supported his baseball journey from the beginning. Kurtz comes from an athletic family, with his older brother Logan Kurtz having played collegiate baseball at Penn State Berks from 2012 to 2013. This family connection to baseball provided early exposure and support that helped shape his development from tee-ball at age four through his rise to professional baseball.
Personal Life
Despite his imposing professional athlete frame, Kurtz embraces his Pennsylvania roots with humility and humor. His teammates’ nickname “Big Amish” references both his physical stature and his Lancaster County hometown, where Amish communities are prominent. Kurtz is not Amish himself but has adopted a unique home run celebration involving a circular hand motion reminiscent of Amish butter churning, which has become a signature element of his on-field identity. He grew up a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, aligning with his Pennsylvania heritage.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Nick Kurtz’s rookie campaign with the Oakland Athletics, and it exceeded all reasonable expectations for a first-year player. Arriving in the major leagues in late April following just 32 professional games, Kurtz faced an immediate adjustment period before establishing himself as a consistent offensive threat. His blend of power, patience, and pitch recognition allowed him to post impressive numbers against experienced major league pitching.
His breakthrough arrived dramatically in late July with the four-homer game against Houston, a performance that captured national attention and announced his arrival as a legitimate star. Following that historic night, Kurtz maintained his elite production throughout the remainder of the season, earning American League Player of the Month honors for July and delivering several additional memorable moments, including his 493-foot grand slam in September. His partnership with the Athletics coaching staff and his own dedication to refinement helped him navigate the inevitable challenges of his first major league season while maximizing his considerable tools.