Nick Kurtz -- Prospect Evaluation

Nick Kurtz is a 6'5", 230-pound lefthanded-hitting first baseman drafted 4th overall by the Oakland Athletics in 2024 after completing his career at Wake Forest. He signed for $7 million and is currently ranked as the Athletics' #1 prospect in 2025 and Baseball America's #34 overall prospect.

Kurtz is one of the most well-rounded position players from the 2024 class, featuring elite hit and power tools (both graded 60). In college, he compiled a .333/.510/.725 slash line with 61 home runs and 161 walks, ranking second on Wake Forest's all-time home run list behind 2023 first-rounder Brock Wilken. He led all Division I hitters with a 30% walk rate in 2024, part of a career 24.1% walk rate. His 80% career contact rate is notably strong for a tall, long-levered hitter with all-fields power capability.

In his professional debut, Kurtz appeared in 143 at-bats with a .259 AVG, .414 OBP, .427 SLG, and 5 HR. He has dealt with injury setbacks including rib and shoulder problems during college, leading to multiple rehab assignments and injured list stints in his first professional season. Scouts project Kurtz for a plus hit and plus power combination at his peak, with a realistic floor of .280 AVG and 30+ home runs annually, supported by his advanced plate discipline and reliable defensive abilities at first base.

Nick Kurtz has emerged as arguably the best power hitter in college baseball and a premier professional prospect heading into his junior season at Wake Forest. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound left-handed first baseman has shown remarkable development over two years, improving from a .338 average with 15 home runs as a freshman to .353 with 24 home runs as a sophomore, while demonstrating excellent plate discipline with 63 walks against 50 strikeouts in 2023. Scouts project him as a potential top-five pick in the 2024 MLB draft.

Kurtz's path to prominence is notable: he originally committed to Wake Forest as a pitcher but underwent shoulder surgery in high school, leading him to transition to position player. This decision proved fortuitous. His offensive toolset features a short, efficient swing and advanced approach that allows him to hit for both average and power consistently. Beyond hitting, Kurtz profiles as an above-average defender with notable athleticism and quality instincts at first base, and scouts believe he can also handle outfield corner positions due to high school and college experience in the outfield.

Recognizing areas for improvement, Kurtz has identified his strikeout rate as something to address this offseason, aiming to maintain his patient approach while being more selective and aggressive in the right situations. His combination of elite power, contact skills, athleticism, and defensive versatility positions him as a potential middle-of-the-order contributor in professional baseball.

Nick Kurtz, the Oakland Athletics' No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, is recognized as one of the most accomplished hitting prospects in recent years. Playing for Wake Forest, the 6-foot-5 left-handed batter demonstrated exceptional power and consistency throughout the season, recording 18 home runs and earning team captain status. What distinguishes Kurtz from other college prospects is not merely his physical tools but his hitting mechanics and approach. Scouts consistently note his disciplined eye at the plate, ability to generate power to all fields, and the distinctive sound his bat produces at contact—observations that suggest elite-level hitting ability.

Beyond his physical skills, Kurtz impressed evaluators and teammates with intangible qualities that warrant high draft placement. His coaching staff and teammates emphasize his big league work ethic and professional-caliber clubhouse leadership. These characteristics, combined with his demonstrated hitting prowess, explain why the Athletics invested a top-five pick in securing Kurtz's services. His performance at Wake Forest, one of the nation's premier college baseball programs, positioned him as a standout prospect despite competing alongside other future major league talent.

Nick Kurtz is a first baseman from Wake Forest University being evaluated as a top prospect for the 2026 MLB Draft. Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Kurtz attended Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. Though initially recruited as a pitcher, he became a full-time position player at Wake Forest.

In his 2022 freshman season, Kurtz demonstrated exceptional offensive production and plate discipline. He finished with a .338 average, .471 on-base percentage, and .637 slugging percentage, translating to a 157 wRC+. His approach was notably mature, with a 18.5% walk rate against just 14.7% strikeouts. He particularly excelled in ACC conference play, batting .410/.531/.700 against higher-quality competition. Kurtz earned consensus Freshman All-American honors and Third Team All-ACC recognition despite a poor postseason showing.

Entering his 2023 sophomore season, expectations were high for both Kurtz and Wake Forest. He started the season explosively, hitting four home runs across four opening weekend games in dominant team victories, earning multiple Player of the Week awards. The article notes he continued his strong performance in both non-conference and ACC play before missing time due to injury mid-season.

Nick Kurtz is a junior first baseman/outfielder from Wake Forest University who was selected 4th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2024 MLB Draft. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound left-handed batter has drawn comparisons to Hall of Fame sluggers, signifying the elite status of his offensive abilities.

Kurtz was originally recruited as a pitcher at The Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but Wake Forest quickly recognized his superior hitting ability. As a freshman, he posted a 1.108 OPS and earned Freshman All-American honors. In his sophomore season, he elevated his performance significantly with a 1.311 OPS, 24 home runs, and over half of his 67 hits going for extra bases, leading to First Team All-ACC selection and Golden Spikes Award semifinalist recognition.

During his junior season, despite a slow start and a two-week shoulder injury, Kurtz continued his offensive excellence, earning back-to-back ACC Player of the Week honors in April. He is ranked No. 7 by MLB Pipeline and plays alongside other elite college talent at Wake Forest, one of the best college teams in the nation.