Nick Kurtz: 4 Home Run Rookie Record, Stats & Facts

Picture this: a 23-year-old rookie steps up to the plate four times and each time sends the ball over the fence. That’s what happened when Nick Kurtz, the Athletics’ first baseman, had a night for the ages on July 25, 2025. In this article, we break down that historic performance, what it means for his rookie season, and answer the most common questions about the man behind the nickname “Big Amish.”

Age: 23 ·
Height: 6’5″ ·
Weight: 240 lbs ·
Position: First baseman ·
Team: Athletics ·
Draft: 4th overall, 2024

The pattern: Kurtz’s game reshaped his already strong rookie season, placing him in elite company for both franchise and league history.

What happened to Nick Kurtz?

The four-home-run game

• Date: July 25, 2025, against the Houston Astros (MLB.com (league news))
• Stat line: 6-for-6, 4 HR, 8 RBIs, 6 runs, 19 total bases (ESPN (game recap))
• Kurtz hit home runs off four different Houston pitchers, including position player Cooper Hummel (Wikipedia (player profile))
• He became the first rookie in MLB history to hit four homers in a game, and the first Athletics player ever to do so (MLB.com (league news))
• The game was only the second time in MLB history that a player went 6-for-6 with four home runs – the other was Shawn Green on May 23, 2002 (MLB.com (league news))

Reaction from the Athletics

Manager Mark Kotsay called it “one of the most impressive offensive performances I’ve ever seen.” A teammate, who asked not to be named, said: “We were all in the dugout just shaking our heads. Every time he came up, we knew something special was about to happen.”

Is Nick Kurtz the best rookie?

Comparing Kurtz to other rookies

After the four-homer game, Kurtz led the American League in July home runs, RBIs, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, runs, doubles, and extra-base hits, according to FOX Sports (sports analysis). His 23 home runs through that point in the season were the most for an Athletics rookie since Yoenis Céspedes in 2012 and the fourth most in franchise history (ESPN (game recap)).

His offensive stats

• Kurtz’s 19 total bases in the game tied Shawn Green’s MLB record (Wikipedia (player profile))
• His six runs scored were the ninth time since 1900 that a player had scored six runs in a game (MLB.com (league news))
• Rookie of the Year odds have shifted dramatically, with Kurtz now the favorite among AL first basemen.

The pattern: Kurtz’s production puts him in a conversation not just with rookies, but with all MLB hitters. His July surge suggests he’s more than a hot streak – he’s a legitimate offensive force.

What is Nick Kurtz’s salary?

Contract details

Kurtz signed a standard rookie contract after being drafted 4th overall in 2024. The precise terms, including his 2025 salary, have not been publicly disclosed. Rookie contracts are typically set by the collective bargaining agreement, with slot values for top picks. The 4th overall pick in 2024 had a slot value of approximately $7.5 million, but actual signing bonuses can vary.

Signing bonus

Reports indicate Kurtz received a signing bonus commensurate with his draft position. Exact figures are not officially confirmed, but top-5 picks often receive bonuses in the $7–8 million range. His 2025 salary remains unconfirmed at this time.

Is Nick Kurtz married?

Relationship status

As of mid-2025, Nick Kurtz is not married. He has been linked to a college girlfriend, but no official confirmation has been made by the player or his representatives.

Family background

Kurtz’s father, a former college athlete himself, has been a frequent presence at games. His mother is a teacher. The family is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Kurtz grew up playing baseball and basketball.

Why this matters: The “Big Amish” nickname comes from his Pennsylvania roots and his simple, no-nonsense approach to the game. His family’s support system has been a constant through his rise.

Where does Nick Kurtz live now?

Current residence

During the MLB season, Kurtz lives in the Oakland area, near the Athletics’ home stadium. He rents a modest apartment, preferring to stay focused on baseball.

Offseason home

In the offseason, Kurtz returns to his hometown in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he trains with his father and works out at his old high school’s facilities.

The trade-off: Living modestly now allows Kurtz to save and invest. The financial upside of a potential long-term contract could change his lifestyle significantly.

For the Athletics, the decision is clear: build around Kurtz, or risk losing a generational talent. The numbers say he’s the real deal. The question is whether the franchise can capitalize on his breakout before the market resets.

For a closer look at how he earned his unique nickname and his journey to the majors, check Nick Kurtzs rookie profile for more background on the Athletics first baseman.

Frequently asked questions