For many reasons I would not have expected today to be the day Nick Kurtz graduated to the big leagues. It’s exciting — and it’s puzzling. Why? Here are some of the ways in which the timing is intriguing:
1. Unless there’s an injury (or paternity leave) we haven’t heard about yet, Kurtz’ call up does not come at a time when the logjam at 1B-DH-LF has “sorted itself out”. Tyler Soderstrom, Brent Rooker, and Miguel Andujar are all healthy and performing (so long as you overlook Andujar’s defense, which has simply been terrible “as advertised”).
Adding Kurtz to the lineup necessarily means subtracting one of Soderstrom, Rooker, or Andujar while all are healthy and playing well in the areas where they are capable of playing well.
2. This is the big one for me: Kurtz is not “hot” — the A’s like to call guys up when they’re swinging/pitching well hoping to harness that momentum and confidence. Far from it, arguably this past couple weeks has been Kurtz’ poorest as a pro.
Kurtz made a mockery of all levels in 2024, batting .368/.520/.763 with 4 HR in 12 games. In 2025 he has again thrived at AAA batting .321/.385/.615. But lately his numbers have come down and in a somewhat worrisome way.
After a torrid start with 6 HR in his first 10 games, in his last 7 games Kurtz has been downright human: 5 for 27 (.185) with 7 BB and 12 K. That’s a 35.3%. K rate and he struck out at least once in each of his last 8 games.
3. With this move the A’s do not address their biggest weakness, although you could argue that in a roundabout way they sort of do. The weakness, as we know, is terrible defense which has shown up most glaringly in LF, CF, and at 2B.
Kurtz is considered to be an excellent 1Bman, though, so you can argue the A’s are getting better defensively by putting him in the lineup. Plus, his insertion at 1B will have some sort of domino effect on LF, be it putting Rooker out there (likely) or Soderstrom (long shot). Either way you can make a case that anything is an upgrade over Andujar, though the grass doesn’t always prove to be greener in the end.
My Emily Litella alter ego is ready to edit in a “never mind!” should we learn, in the coming hours, that Kurtz is simply filling in for a 1B/LF/DH going on a short leave and no new era is yet being ushered in.
But taking everything at face value, it’s a curiously timed move and it’s also one an A’s fan would have to be nuts not to be excited about given Kurtz’ profile as a “real deal” hitter who makes your defense better.
And just in time for the Rangers series. Go get ‘em, Nicky!
UPDATE, 2:25 PDT: Seems that due to the off-day Monday and a LHP opposing starter (Patrick Corbin) Tuesday, Kurtz will not be activated until Wednesday when the A’s face RHP Kumar Rocker. They face another RHP by the name of Jacob DeGrom on Thursday.