A’s slugger’s historic run continues with another rare distinction
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz has done something that’s only happened 12 other times.
Kurtz on Monday was named the American League Player and Rookie of the Month for July, marking the 12th time a player has earned both honors for the same calendar month.
Kurtz hit .395 in July with 11 home runs and 27 RBI. He had a 1.433 OPS and 82 total bases. He led the the AL in on-base percentage (.480), slugging (.953), OPS, doubles (13), RBI, extra-base hits (25) and total bases. His month was highlighted by a historic 6-for-6 performance against the Houston Astros July 25 when he became the first rookie to hit four home runs in a single game.
The A’s drafted Kurtz fourth overall in 2024 and he made it to the Major Leagues after just 33 minor league games. He leads the team with a 3.6 WAR despite playing in 73 of their 114 contests.
“I love the kid,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said recently. “He’s a pure joy to be around. For 22 years old, he’s one of the most advanced young men I’ve met in terms of preparation and his routes. He continues to learn, he continues to grow.”
Kurtz has overtaken teammate Jacob Wilson as the betting favorite for American League Rookie of the Year. Kurtz leads all rookies in home runs, RBI and OPS. And since his made his A’s debut, he has the second-highest OPS in the majors behind Aaron Judge.
Wilson started the All-Star game and was hitting .335 before getting hit by a pitch that fractured his wrist and led to a 4-for-39 slump (.105). Wilson has been on the injured list since appearing in his last game July 25.
July marked the third straight month an A’s rookie has been the Rookie of the Month. Kurtz earned it for June and Wilson in May.
This story was originally published August 4, 2025 at 11:10 AM.
