Athletics’ Nick Kurtz Has A Plan At The Plate
For first-round picks drafted out of college, climbing quickly through the minor leagues is a primary objective.
First baseman Nick Kurtz did just that in his first year of pro ball after being drafted fourth overall out of Wake Forest. Following a seven-game tune-up with Low-A Stockton, he jumped to Double-A Midland for one home series versus Wichita.
Kurtz popped four home runs while batting .368/.520/.763 in 12 games and then reported to the Arizona Fall League. He appeared in just 13 games due to a hamstring injury but made an impression with two home runs and a 1.058 OPS.
The Athletics believe there are many more offensive fireworks to come.
“The physicality is obviously there—the power is there—but I think there’s more of a head skill,” A’s farm director Ed Sprague said.
“I think people look to the power, but he hits the ball the other way. He has an idea at the plate. He’s not just up there swinging from the heels to try to hit the ball out of the ballpark.”
The 22-year-old Kurtz also is an above-average defender at first base. With his 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame, he moves well around the bag.
“I don’t know how much bigger (he) can get,” Sprague laughed. “He’s pretty solid. He’s put together. When he starts playing every day, I think he’ll lean out a little bit.”
Athletics GM David Forst said Kurtz will report to big league camp this spring.
“I think the main objective is not trying to do too much,” Sprague said. “I think there’s going to be a lot of talk about him getting to the big leagues. He got to Double-A super fast and he got hurt, and then he had a good Fall League when he came back from the injury.
“I think his main objective should be just to prepare himself for the season and not worry about where he’s going to start.”
