Elephant Rumblings: Happy Nick Kurtz Day!
MLB news roundup
Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!
Today is a big day for the A’s, their fans, and especially the team’s top prospect Nick Kurtz, who is set to make his MLB debut today after just 32 games in the minors.
After just 32 Minor League games, the red-hot Nick Kurtz is being called up for his MLB debut.
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 22, 2025
Here's what to expect from the @Athletics' No. 1 prospect and 2024 first-round pick: https://t.co/VoXdBTzDpp pic.twitter.com/EQAiQ3Wkk0
Kurtz smashed 11 homers, drove in 37 runs, and slashed .336/.432/.689 in his meteoric rise through the A’s farm system. Despite this, the general consensus in the AN community seems to be that the A’s should not risk prematurely promoting Kurtz. But the A’s seem to feel confident that the big 22-year-old is ready.
Regarding Kurtz, A's special assistant Grady Fuson just told me last week, "He is Major League ready." Kurtz has posted a 1.060 OPS in 79 at-bats for Triple-A @AviatorsLV this year, and thus far, he has yet to have an OPS below 1.000 in any season in his college or pro career... https://t.co/3ObvHhkmRV
— Bill Moriarity - A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) April 21, 2025
Perhaps Kurtz’s swift comeuppance is an indicator that the A’s think they might be able to push their way to postseason contention this season. If the A’s really have a chance for a playoff spot in 2025, then every win counts. It was certainly gratifying to see Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors opine that with Kurtz in the fold, the A’s could have “one of the most formidable lineups in the American League.”
One reason the AN community might not be in such a rush to see Kurtz in green and gold is that his arrival will apparently force fellow first baseman Tyler Soderstrom to play left field, a position Sodie has little experience with.
David Forst says that with Nick Kurtz coming up, Tyler Soderstom will get some time in left field and DH. Rooker obviously also part of that LF/DH mix.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) April 22, 2025
Hopefully the shuffling about needed to clear this positional logjam will not prove too distracting—the A’s greatest weakness right now appears to be defense, especially in the outfield. This move will not likely substantially improve the team’s defense, at least not right away. But A’s general manager David Forst said that Tyler “has been adamant that, whatever we need from him, he’s willing to do.”
Just spoke to Tyler Soderstrom about his history in left field and he said he doesn’t have any professional time playing there, but did in travel ball — that’s about it. Told me he felt good during some warmups out there. He added: “Just going let my athleticism take over.”
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) April 22, 2025
Time will soon tell just how ready Kurtz really is for The Show. Welcome to the Big Leagues, Nick Kurtz! Good luck tonight.
A’s Coverage:
- Athletics drop series opener to Rangers 8-5
- Kurtz, 2024 No. 4 overall pick & A’s top prospect, getting called up
- Kurtz’s focus with A’s, MLB debut on tap? ‘Winning’
- A’s To Give Tyler Soderstrom Reps In Left Field
- Former A’s First Rounder is on Fire in Triple-A
MLB News & Interest:
- MLB Power Rankings: Cincinnati, Cleveland on the climb; What a difference a year makes ($)
- Looking Ahead To Club Options: NL Central
- The Orioles’ Struggling Rotation
- Why Terry Francona just couldn’t stay away from baseball: ‘I probably love it too much’ ($)
- Bobby Witt Jr.’s discipline is next level: I know because I tried his daily routine ($)
- Rich Hill Still Planning To Pitch This Year
- Today in Baseball History
Best of X:
Rook gets his Silver Slugger Award.
Brent Rooker was presented with his 2024 Silver Slugger Award before the game. pic.twitter.com/S8MnxcplDG
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) April 23, 2025
No pressure, kid.
The 2nd ball disappears over the batter’s eye.. the 4th ball almost clears the damn equipment barn in left center…. LOL. pic.twitter.com/H6Wn1cSn7z
— Dallas Braden (@DALLASBRADEN209) April 23, 2025
Gelof swingin’.
Zack Gelof is taking batting practice today. A’s will have a better timeline of when he might go on a rehab assignment by the end of the week.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) April 22, 2025
LeClerc with a shoulder issue.
José Leclerc left with right shoulder soreness.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) April 23, 2025
Remembering a Braden - A-Rod kerfuffle.
#OTD in 2010, Dallas Braden told Alex Rodriguez, “Get the f*** off my mound,” after A-Rod disrespected an unwritten rule while heading back to the visiting dugout. #Athletics pic.twitter.com/xBKbxltcZa
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) April 22, 2025