Fantasy baseball managers, if you’re hunting the waiver wire or eyeing a stash to boost your 2025 seasonal roster, Nick Kurtz is a must-add. The Athletics’ first baseman, drafted fourth overall in 2024, is torching Triple-A and days away from an MLB debut. 

As the #1 prospect in the Athletics’ system and #34 overall by Baseball America, Kurtz’s power and contact skills make him a fantasy game-changer. Let’s dive into his fit with the Athletics, prospect buzz, the current Nick Kurtz call up timeline, and fantasy outlook with the 2025 MLB season underway.

 

 

 

Nick Kurtz Stats & Prospect Status

Kurtz is a beast. At 22, he’s the Athletics’ top prospect and a top-35 talent per Baseball America. Out of Wake Forest in 2024, he hit .368 with a 1.283 OPS in 12 minor league games last year. In 2025, he’s unstoppable at Triple-A, batting .344 with 7 homers and a 1.151 OPS in 15 games.

His elite plate discipline and ability to crush pitches set him apart. Think young Matt Olson with better contact. His MLB-ready stats leave little to prove in the minors. For fantasy players, his average and power combo could spark a roster instantly.

 

 

 

Nick Kurtz Call Up: Coming Soon?

Kurtz’s call up could be days or weeks away, given his Triple-A dominance. While Rooker and Soderstrom are thriving, the Athletics are paving the way with Rooker in the outfield and Soderstrom eyeing third. The team’s rebuilding mindset prioritizes top prospects, and Kurtz’s hot streak is undeniable.

If Urshela’s bat stays cold or Brown falters, one could be DFA’d or traded to make room. Fantasy managers should track roster moves and Kurtz’s Triple-A stats via news apps or stat trackers. His torrid pace could force a promotion soon, giving him MLB reps now.

 

 

 

Nick Kurtz & Current Athletics Roster

The Athletics’ 2025 lineup mixes young stars and veterans, but first base and DH—Kurtz’s likely spots—are crowded. Brent Rooker, secured with a big offseason extension, has been the primary DH after a huge 2024. Tyler Soderstrom, the 2021 first-rounder, holds first base and leads MLB in homers as of April 16, 2025. That’s a tough duo for a rookie to crack.

The Athletics are clearing a path, though. Per CBS Sports, Rooker’s now playing outfield to free up DH. MLB.com reports Soderstrom may shift to third base, using his athleticism. These moves could open first or DH for Kurtz. If a roster spot needs clearing, Gio Urshela (slumping at third) or Seth Brown (struggling as an outfielder/DH) could be traded or cut. The Athletics’ push for Kurtz is a green light for fantasy managers.

 

 

Nick Kurtz Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Kurtz is a must-add waiver wire target or stash for 2025 seasonal leagues. His .344/1.151 Triple-A line with 7 homers this year and 1.283 OPS in 2024 scream star potential. He projects to hit .280+ with 25+ homers over a full season, rivaling first basemen like Triston Casas or Spencer Torkelson. At Sutter Health Park, a hitter’s paradise, his power could explode, making him a fantasy stud.

If Kurtz debuts soon and locks in regular at-bats at first or DH, he could transform 12-team lineups or deeper. His discipline ensures a strong batting average and OBP, while his power drives RBIs and runs in the lineup’s heart. Even part-time, his bat could justify a spot in deeper 5x5 or points leagues.

Risks linger. If Rooker and Soderstrom keep raking, Kurtz might start in a platoon or with limited at-bats. Monitor lineups and matchups to gauge his role. Still, his talent is too good to ignore. In 10-team leagues, he’s a watch-list priority; in 12-team or deeper, snag him off the waiver wire now for an early boost.

 

 

 

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