A’s Top Prospect Nick Kurtz: From Dominant Pitcher to Power hitter
Nick Kurtz, drafted No. 4 overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2024 MLB draft, wasn’t always known for his powerful bat. Originally committed to Wake Forest as a pitcher, Kurtz’s trajectory changed as his hitting potential became undeniable.
Early years: A Two-Way Talent Emerges
As a youth player, Kurtz showcased talent both on the mound and at the plate, but pitching was his primary focus. It wasn’t until high school at Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that his hitting began to take center stage under the guidance of head coach Mike Kinney.
The Turning Point: Unlocking the Bat’s Potential
Kinney’s beliefs of developing well-rounded players led to Kurtz spending more time refining his hitting skills. Kinney observed Kurtz’s unique bat speed and ability to drive the ball wiht power to all fields, recognizing the potential for him to excel as a hitter.
From Mound to Plate: A Star is Born
Although Kurtz had a powerful arm,it was his bat speed through the hitting zone that separated him from others. This unique aspect of his swing allowed him to become a dangerous power hitter.Currently ranked as the 33rd prospect by Baseball America, Kurtz continues to impress, solidifying his future as a rising star.
A’s Prospect Nick Kurtz: From Dominant pitcher to Power-Hitting Phenom
Oakland Athletics’ prospect Nick Kurtz is rapidly ascending through the minor leagues,showcasing extraordinary batting skills that have scouts and fans buzzing. drafted by the A’s and quickly promoted to double-A midland after a stint in Low-A Stockton, Kurtz’s journey is marked by power and plate discipline. Despite a hamstring injury curtailing his 2025 season,his trajectory suggests a future star in the making.
Early Potential: A Two-Way Talent
Originally scouted as a dominant pitcher, Tanner Vesely, a veteran coach with USA Baseball, first noticed Kurtz’s talent on the mound at age 12. Vesely envisioned a future pitching ace, notably after Kurtz’s stellar performance in the WBSC 12U World Cup victory over Chinese Taipei, played before 11,000 fans in Taiwan.
The Shift: Focusing on Hitting
As Kurtz progressed through high school at Baylor School, his hitting prowess became undeniable. “He took off…and became a different human,” Vesely noted, highlighting Kurtz’s improved plate discipline and ability to drive the ball with power.
College Stardom at Wake Forest
In his junior year, Kurtz made the pivotal decision to focus solely on hitting, a move fully supported by his coaches. This transition led to a historic career at Wake Forest University. Kurtz left as the highest-drafted position player in program history and only the fourth Demon Deacon selected in the top 10. His college stats speak volumes: 61 home runs, 182 RBIs, and a program-record 189 walks.
Proving Himself in the Minors
The transition to professional baseball has been seamless for Kurtz. Even a minor hamstring injury hasn’t slowed his ascent, as evidenced by a recent Triple-A at-bat where he nearly hit the ball out of the stadium. His performance thus far in 2025 indicates he is poised for continued success.
Nick Kurtz’s Explosive Start: Minor League Slugger Turns Heads
LAS VEGAS – Nick Kurtz is making a powerful statement in Triple-A, slugging his way into the conversation among baseball’s elite power hitters. Through 11 games with the Las Vegas Aviators, Kurtz has blasted six home runs, putting him in a tie with MLB stars Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, and Tyler Soderstrom for the most in professional baseball.
Triple-A Slugger’s Hot Start Stuns Observers
Beyond the remarkable home run total, Kurtz is batting a remarkable .375/.412/.854 with 17 RBIs. Sources close to the situation say that those around him aren’t surprised, maintaining that Kurtz thrives under pressure. “There are guys who, when the lights come on, thay get better. Nick is one of those guys,” Vesely said.”It doesn’t matter how high he goes, he’s going to continue to do well, because the pressure doesn’t bother him. He has an possibility to be a superstar.”
More Than Just Power: Kurtz’s Character Shines
Kurtz’s ability to rise to the occasion is a key factor of his rapid rise.However, those who know him best emphasize some of his positive traits as being his best qualities. “He looks at you as a person and cares about you,” Kinney said. “He wants to do everything he can to help you. He’s knocking on the door of the big leagues, but if I called him today, he would answer the phone and do anything he could to help me.”
MLB Prospect on the Cusp? What’s Next for Kurtz
Kurtz’s combination of power, hitting ability, and character has made him a player to watch. As he continues his stellar performance in Triple-A,the question isn’t if he’ll reach the majors,but when.
Q: Considering his relatively fast rise through the minor leagues, what adjustments has Kurtz made to succeed at each level?
Nick Kurtz: From Pitcher to Powerhouse – Q&A
Q: Who is Nick Kurtz?
A: Nick Kurtz is a highly-touted baseball prospect drafted by the Oakland Athletics.Initially a pitcher, he transitioned to a power hitter and is rapidly ascending through the minor leagues, known for his impressive bat speed and ability to hit home runs.
Q: What was Kurtz’s journey from pitcher to hitter?
A: Kurtz started as a pitcher, but his hitting potential became apparent in high school under coach Mike Kinney. Kinney recognized his extraordinary bat speed and ability to drive the ball. Kurtz then focused solely on hitting in college,becoming a standout at Wake Forest University.
Q: What were Kurtz’s college stats at Wake forest?
A: During his time at Wake Forest, Kurtz hit 61 home runs, had 182 RBIs, and a programme-record 189 walks. he was the highest-drafted position player in program history, highlighting his exceptional talent.
Q: How has Kurtz performed in the minor leagues?
A: Kurtz has made a seamless transition to professional baseball.In 2025, he was quickly promoted to double-A Midland after a stint in Low-A Stockton. He’s currently making a powerful statement in Triple-A, leading to conversations about his potential to be a star.
Q: What are some of Kurtz’s key strengths?
A: Kurtz is known for his power hitting, plate discipline, and ability to perform under pressure. He also has a strong character and is known for caring about others, according to those who no him best.
Q: What’s next for Nick Kurtz?
A: With his current performance in Triple-A, the question is not if he’ll reach the majors, but when. He continues to impress scouts and fans, solidifying his future as a rising star.
