Nick Kurtz, the Oakland Athletics’ first baseman drafted out of Wake Forest in 2024, has drawn striking comparisons to Matt Olson, the current Atlanta Braves star whom the Athletics traded in 2022. Oakland’s scouting director Eric Kubota highlighted the similarities on draft night, emphasizing Kurtz’s potential to follow a path similar to Olson’s early years in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB. Both players began their major league careers with Oakland, and Kurtz’s rookie statistics through his first 67 games closely resemble Olson’s initial MLB performance.
Comparing Their First Major League Performances
Matt Olson entered the big leagues in 2016, initially spending significant time in right field before securing the first base position after Tyler Soderstrom was moved to left field. Olson didn’t play a full season until 2018, after a couple of earlier major league stints allowed him to adjust to top-level pitching. In contrast, Kurtz, now only 22, has seen minimal time off beyond a brief injury and has rapidly established himself.
Through their first 67 games, Kurtz and Olson posted nearly identical home run totals at 23 each. Kurtz registered 43 extra-base hits and 59 RBIs with a 1.061 OPS and 55% hard-hit rate, while Olson recorded 49 extra-base hits, 43 RBIs, a .960 OPS, and a 52.1% hard-hit rate. Notably, Kurtz has accumulated 16 more RBIs despite slightly higher strikeout numbers (31.2% to Olson’s 27.8%).
“In a lot of ways, he reminds us of Matt Olson.” —Eric Kubota, A’s scouting director
Offensive Context and Impact
Although one might assume that the Athletics’ offense was weaker during Olson’s earlier years, the 2017 team actually ranked fifth in weighted runs created plus (wRC+) with a 103 rating, identical to Oakland’s 2024 team standing 12th but sharing the same 103 wRC+. Kurtz’s individual wRC+ is a compelling 184 compared to Olson’s 164 during his comparable period, demonstrating a potent offensive presence. Additionally, Kurtz boasts a higher batting average (.309 to .259) and on-base percentage (.378 to .352), underscoring his overall hitting effectiveness.
Age and Minor League Experience: Factors Favoring Kurtz
Kurtz’s youth and limited minor league seasoning make his rapid MLB success particularly remarkable. With only 33 minor league games before joining Oakland’s 26-man roster, his swift acclimation contrasts with Olson’s more extended minor league development. Kurtz’s age and quick adjustment suggest a possibly higher ceiling, elevating expectations for his future growth and MLB impact.
Building a New Fan Favorite in Oakland
Olson was a fan favorite during his time with the Athletics, known for his powerful swing and steady presence. Yet Kurtz has already reached national recognition following a recent four-home-run game that rejuvenated local and wider enthusiasm. His breakout could propel him into contention as one of the game’s top first basemen, potentially overtaking Olson’s legacy as early as next season.
The Road Ahead for Kurtz and the Athletics
The parallels between Matt Olson and Nick Kurtz present an intriguing narrative for the Athletics’ future lineup. As Kurtz continues to mature and refine his game, Oakland fans hope he not only meets but exceeds Olson’s achievements. The team’s investment in Kurtz reflects a broader strategy to rebuild and generate new stars who can elevate Oakland’s competitiveness. With Kurtz’s blend of power, hitting savvy, and youthful promise, the upcoming seasons will be critical in defining his career trajectory and impact on the franchise.