Height
6'5"
Weight
240 lbs
Age
23
College
Wake Forest
Draft
2024, Rd 1, #4
Experience
1 yrs
Bats/Throws
L/L
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsA+
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 126 | 0.28097346 | 36 | 88 | 0.97067016 | 4 | 127 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$785K
Guaranteed
$471K
AAV
$785K/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Nick Kurtz's $0.8M deal with the Athletics earns an A+ CVI, representing exceptional value for an elite first baseman on what amounts to a pre-arbitration salary. While first base isn't traditionally a premium position, Kurtz's production profile suggests he could deliver 4+ WAR annually, making this contract an absolute steal for Oakland's rebuilding timeline. The Athletics are perfectly positioned to maximize this value window — Kurtz gives them a cornerstone offensive piece while their farm system continues developing around him, and at this price point, he's essentially providing All-Star caliber production at replacement-level cost. This type of contract is exactly what small-market teams need to compete: locking up elite talent before the market recognizes their true worth. Given the current landscape where proven first basemen are commanding $15-20M annually, Oakland just secured franchise-caliber production for pennies on the dollar. The A+ CVI reflects not just the player's ability, but the perfect storm of team context, positional value, and contract structure that makes this one of the most efficient deals in recent memory.
Performance Analysis
Nick Kurtz grades as a near-elite performer among MLB first basemen, earning a A- Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.290 batting average and a 1.002 OPS (well above the league average of .720, an elite mark) this season. With 36 home runs and 86 RBI through 117 games (a 50-HR, 119-RBI pace over a full season), he brings elite power production to the lineup. As a rookie at 23, Nick is a key contributor for the Athletics.
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