Athletics’ Nick Kurtz Unanimously Wins AL Rookie of the Year

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, less than a week removed from taking home the American League Silver Slugger award, added the American League Rookie of the Year award to his trophy cabinet.

Kurtz unanimously beat out finalists Roman Anthony and teammate Jacob Wilson to secure the award, which marked the first time an A’s player had won the award since Andrew Bailey in 2009.

Both Anthony and Wilson put up spectacular seasons — both maintaining a batting average over .290 and an OPS of .800 or higher — but Kurtz placed himself among baseball’s elite with a monstrous season in 2025.

More news: Blue Jays’ Max Scherzer Sends Clear Message Ahead of Free Agency

The A’s called Kurtz up after just 32 games in the minor leagues, and while he got off to a slow start — going 16 games without a home run — he put up unreal numbers during his time in MLB.

More news: Cubs Receive Unfortunate Kyle Tucker Prediction Ahead of Free Agency

Through 117 games last season, Kurtz led all qualified rookies with 36 home runs, 86 RBIs and a 1.002 OPS. He managed 122 hits and 90 runs, the latter of which ranked second on his team to Brent Rooker.

He hit 19 of his 36 home runs after the All-Star break, and led MLB in home runs to the opposite field. Kurtz made history against the Houston Astros on July 25, becoming the 20th player — and first rookie — in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game.

The 22-year-old also hit the furthest home run in MLB this season, a 493-foot grand slam against the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 13.

More news: Yankees Tipped as ‘Frontrunners’ in Pursuit of Top-5 Free Agent Pitcher

Kurtz has a batting run value of plus-40, which ranks him in the top two percent of MLB. He also places in the 98th percentile in both bat speed and barrel percentage.

The Athletics finished the 2025 season in fourth place in the AL West with a 76-86 record, and will look to capitalize on the talents of Kurtz and Wilson as they seek to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.

For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.