Elephant Rumblings: Waiting for Kurtz

MLB news roundup

Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!

You see it asked, if not demanded, every day: A’s fans are ready for the debut of the team’s No. 1 prospect and top 2024 draft pick, first baseman Nick Kurtz.

Fangraphs says that the big 22-year-old “is an advanced, well-rounded bat who has a good chance to be the first hitter from last year’s draft to debut in the bigs.” Meanwhile, Kurtz is doing all he can in Triple-A to force his way to the majors: through his first 14 games with the Aviators this season, he’s slashed .367/.409/.817 with seven home runs and a wRC+ of 194.

There are a couple of complicating factors that could be creating a bit of friction impeding Kurtz’s ascension. For one, the A’s everyday first baseman, Tyler Soderstrom, is off to a red hot start at the plate this season—and has been a bright spot at first in an A’s defense that is pretty spotty overall, especially in the outfield.

Most of the Kurtz-now strategies I’ve seen discussed recently involve putting Sodie in left field or having Seth Brown or Brent Rooker spend more time in the outfield to make more space for Kurtz at first base or DH. But some might see too much downside in such a defensive compromise.

The debate will surely rage on until Kurtz lands in Sacramento—and the comment section below is a very safe space for this. I have a feeling it won’t be long, but with the A’s lineup looking pretty solid, perhaps it makes more sense to shore up the outfield defense before unchaining the beast. It might be an easier call if there was a better center field option right now.

Seeya soon, Nick! How funny is it that he got leapfrogged by Sodie in the home run column yesterday?

A’s Coverage:

• Athletics dominate White Sox on Jackie Robinson Day
• No. 1 prospect Kurtz’s big bat looking Major League-ready
• Watch Kurtz, Triple-A Las Vegas for FREE on Wednesday
• How Jackie Robinson Inspired Dave Henderson to Honor the Legacy of the No. 42
• A’s Outright Former Los Angeles Angels Lefty
• Former Tampa Bay Rays Reliever Yet To Allow A Run All Year

MLB News & Interest:

• Dodgers, Rockies, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar come together to reflect on Jackie Robinson Day
• Rachel Robinson sees Jackie Robinson Museum inspire the next generation
• MLB Power Rankings: Padres, Mets move on up and we have a new cellar dweller ($)
• Former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks opens up on terminal diagnosis: ‘I’m going to be here fighting’ ($)
• 2025 MLB Draft top 50 prospects rankings: Ethan Holliday, Liam Doyle leading the way ($)
• Marlins Designate Jonah Bride For Assignment
• Judge on Soto’s slow start with Mets: ‘He’s going to be just fine’
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Billy Owens remembers Jackie.

Sodie forms a very exclusive clique with Reggie.

Nice catch, Johnny.