Nick Kurtz has a nickname that’s hard to forget: “Big Amish.” But there’s more to this young first baseman than the moniker suggests. Drafted fourth overall by the Oakland Athletics in 2024, Kurtz brought with him a bundle of college records and a story that goes back to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Here’s a closer look at his rise, his salary, his family, and why he’s generating so much buzz in his rookie season.
Full name: Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz · Born: March 12, 2003 (age 23) · Height / Weight: 6’5″ / 240 lbs · Position: First baseman · Team: Oakland Athletics · Draft: 2024, Round 1, Pick 4
Quick snapshot
- Drafted 4th overall by the Athletics in 2024 (MLB.com (Major League Baseball official site))
- Set Wake Forest career walks record (189) (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- Nickname “Big Amish” originates from Lancaster, PA Amish community (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- Led all MLB rookies in home runs, RBIs, extra-base hits, and OPS during 2025 rookie race (MLB.com (Major League Baseball official site))
- Exact signing bonus amount beyond draft slot estimate (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- Exact MLB debut date (reported as 2025) (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- Father’s full professional background beyond college baseball (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- March 12, 2003: Born in Lancaster, PA (MLB.com (Major League Baseball official site))
- 2021-2024: Played at Wake Forest University (MLB.com (Major League Baseball official site))
- July 14, 2024: Drafted 4th overall by Athletics (MLB.com (Major League Baseball official site))
- 2025: Made MLB debut (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- Rookie of the Year contention based on historic production (Baseball America (prospect analysis))
- Continued development as Athletics’ cornerstone first baseman (Baseball America (prospect analysis))
Ten stats that define the player so far:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz |
| Nickname | Big Amish |
| Born | March 12, 2003 (age 23) |
| Birthplace | Lancaster, Pennsylvania |
| Height | 6’5″ |
| Weight | 240 lbs |
| Position | First baseman |
| Team | Oakland Athletics |
| Draft | 2024, Round 1, Pick 4 |
| College | Wake Forest University |
The implication: Kurtz’s physical profile — 6’5″, 240 lbs — and left-handed power bat are exactly what teams look for in a modern first baseman.
Is Nick Kurtz the best rookie?
Kurtz’s rookie season numbers put him in rare company. According to MLB.com (Major League Baseball official site), he led all Major League rookies in home runs, RBIs, extra-base hits, and OPS during the rookie-of-the-year race. Baseball America (prospect analysis) reported that he had 19 home runs in 63 games with the Athletics after being drafted fourth overall. Sports Illustrated (sports journalism) described his production as a “bold comparison” to a former Philadelphia Phillies MVP, noting he had played 111 games with 32 home runs, 81 RBIs, and a 172 OPS+.
Comparing Nick Kurtz to other 2024 rookies
- Kurtz’s 23 home runs, 59 RBIs, 43 extra-base hits, and 1.060 OPS led all rookies (MLB.com (Major League Baseball official site)).
- He was the Athletics’ most productive power hitter since his debut on April 23, per Baseball America (prospect analysis).
- His 172 OPS+ over 111 games suggests elite offensive impact (Sports Illustrated (sports journalism)).
What makes a rookie “the best”?
Defining “best” depends on context. In terms of raw power and run production, Kurtz leads the 2025 rookie class in multiple categories. But longevity and defensive value will determine his place historically. The pattern: Kurtz’s numbers through his first 63 games rival some of the best rookie campaigns by recent draftees.
Kurtz isn’t just the best rookie on the Athletics — he’s statistically the most productive rookie in all of baseball this season, with a OPS north of 1.000. For a team in rebuild mode, that’s a franchise cornerstone emerging earlier than expected.
What is Nick Kurtz’s salary?
Kurtz signed with the Oakland Athletics after being drafted fourth overall in 2024. The slot value for the fourth pick in the 2024 MLB Draft was approximately $8.4 million, according to Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia). His exact bonus has not been officially disclosed, but the slot system gives a clear benchmark. Rookie salaries are typically set by the collective bargaining agreement at a league minimum, which in 2025 is around $740,000.
Nick Kurtz’s signing bonus and contract details
- Drafted 4th overall — slot value ~$8.4M (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- Signed standard rookie contract with Athletics (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- League-minimum salary for 2025 season (est. $740,000)
How MLB rookie salaries are structured
First-round picks receive a signing bonus based on draft position, which is the bulk of their early earnings. After signing, they play under the MLB minimum salary until they reach arbitration eligibility (typically three years of service). Kurtz’s situation is standard: a substantial bonus upfront, then league-minimum pay while he establishes himself.
Who is Nick Kurtz’s father?
Nick Kurtz’s full name is Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz, and his father is Jeffrey Kurtz. According to Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia), Jeffrey Kurtz played college baseball at Millersville University. The connection to a baseball-playing father likely helped shape Nick’s early development. Beyond that, detailed public information about Jeffrey Kurtz’s professional career is limited.
Nick Kurtz’s family background
- Father: Jeffrey Kurtz — played at Millersville University (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- Nick is named after his father (Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz)
- Grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, an area with deep baseball roots
His father’s influence on his baseball career
Having a parent who played college baseball often provides early coaching and exposure. While there are no publicly available quotes from Jeffrey Kurtz, the lineage alone suggests a supportive environment. The catch: without more details, the father’s role remains mostly inferred.
Family background adds context to a prospect’s rise. In Kurtz’s case, his father’s college baseball experience likely contributed to the fundamentally sound swing and plate discipline that scouts rave about.
Why is Nick Kurtz called Big Amish?
The nickname “Big Amish” is widely used and tied directly to his appearance and hometown. Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia) explains that his teammates gave him the name as a jocular reference to his 6’5″, 240 lb stature and his roots in Lancaster, Pennsylvania — an area with a large Amish population. Kurtz himself is not Amish, but he leans into the persona with a celebratory hand-twirling motion that mimics churning butter.
Origin of the ‘Big Amish’ nickname
- Teammates started it as a joke about his size and hometown (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- Lancaster County has a significant Amish community
- Kurtz’s 6’5″, 240 lb frame reinforced the visual
How the nickname followed him to the majors
The moniker stuck through college and into professional ball. He even incorporates it into his home-run celebrations — a subtle, good-natured nod to the stereotype. The pattern: unique nicknames can enhance a player’s marketability and fan engagement. “Big Amish” is one of the most distinctive in the league.
Where did Nick Kurtz come from?
Kurtz was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on March 12, 2003 (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia)). He attended local schools and developed his baseball skills before enrolling at Wake Forest University. According to MLB.com (Major League Baseball official site), he was announced as the fourth overall selection of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Athletics on July 14, 2024.
Nick Kurtz’s hometown and early baseball career
- Born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Played high school baseball in the area
- Chose Wake Forest over other college programs
His college career at Wake Forest
At Wake Forest, Kurtz left a major mark. He set the single-season walks record (78) and the career walks record (189), leading the NCAA in walks during the 2024 season (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia)). Baseball America (prospect analysis) reported he hit 22 home runs in 54 games in his final college season. He also served as team captain in 2024.
The numbers — eight stats, one pattern:
| Category | College (Wake Forest) | MLB (through first ~63 games) |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 54 (final season) | 63 |
| Home runs | 22 | 19 |
| RBIs | — | 59 |
| Walks | 78 (led NCAA) | — |
| OPS | — | 1.060 |
| Extra-base hits | — | 43 |
The trade-off: Kurtz nearly matched his college production in his first 63 MLB games, which is rare for a recent draftee and suggests his power translates immediately to the pros.
Timeline: Nick Kurtz’s path to the majors
A quick progression from Pennsylvania prep to MLB.
- March 12, 2003: Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- 2021–2024: Played college baseball at Wake Forest University
- 2024 season: Led NCAA in walks (78); set Wake Forest career walks record (189) (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- July 14, 2024: Drafted 4th overall by Oakland Athletics (MLB.com (Major League Baseball official site))
- 2025: Made MLB debut; leads all rookies in multiple offensive categories (Baseball America (prospect analysis))
The pattern: Kurtz’s timeline from college to MLB impact is compressed — just over a year between being drafted and becoming the Athletics’ top hitter.
What’s confirmed and what’s still uncertain
- Confirmed: Kurtz was drafted 4th overall in 2024 by the Athletics.
- Confirmed: He played college baseball at Wake Forest University.
- Confirmed: He holds the Wake Forest career walks record (189).
- Confirmed: His nickname is “Big Amish”.
- Confirmed: He was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
- Unclear: Exact signing bonus amount (slot value is estimated but not officially confirmed for his specific contract).
- Unclear: Exact MLB debut date (reported as 2025 but no specific date verified).
- Unclear: Father’s full professional background beyond college baseball.
What the experts say
“[Kurtz is] the A’s most productive power hitter since making his MLB debut on April 23.”
— Baseball America (prospect analysis)
“He had nearly matched his 2024 college production in the majors by the time of its story.”
— Baseball America (prospect analysis)
“His production draws a bold comparison to a former Philadelphia Phillies MVP.”
— Sports Illustrated (sports journalism)
“Kurtz led all Major League rookies in home runs, RBIs, extra-base hits, and OPS during the rookie-of-the-year race.”
— MLB.com (Major League Baseball official site)
For the Oakland Athletics, the choice is clear: build around Nick Kurtz, or risk watching a potential superstar develop elsewhere. With his historic college résumé and rookie performance already rivaling the best recent draftees, the Athletics have a franchise anchor in the making.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nick Kurtz the best rookie in 2024?
Based on his 2025 rookie season, Kurtz leads all MLB rookies in home runs, RBIs, extra-base hits, and OPS, per MLB.com. By those measures, he’s the most productive rookie.
What is Nick Kurtz’s salary with the Athletics?
His signing bonus from the 4th overall pick was approximately $8.4 million (slot value), and he earns the MLB minimum salary (around $740,000) as a rookie.
Who is Nick Kurtz’s father?
His father is Jeffrey Kurtz, who played college baseball at Millersville University. Nick’s full name is Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz.
Why is Nick Kurtz called Big Amish?
Teammates gave him the nickname because of his 6’5″, 240 lb build and his hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which has a large Amish population.
Where did Nick Kurtz go to college?
He played college baseball at Wake Forest University, where he set the career walks record (189) and led the NCAA in walks in 2024 (78).
What position does Nick Kurtz play?
He is a first baseman, bats and throws left-handed.
When was Nick Kurtz drafted?
He was drafted 4th overall by the Oakland Athletics on July 14, 2024.
Editor’s note: This article was researched and written by the Kelowna Daily editorial team. All external citations are linked to original sources. Internal links to related content are provided below.
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