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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

No pressure, kid.

Gelof swingin’.

LeClerc with a shoulder issue.

Remembering a Braden - A-Rod kerfuffle.