The Athletics, now settled in Sacramento and soon to call Las Vegas home, have a shining star in Nick Kurtz, the face of their franchise. After a jaw-dropping Rookie of the Year campaign in 2025, Kurtz has set the baseball world abuzz.
As the new season looms, the big question is whether Kurtz will secure a long-term contract extension. The Athletics have reportedly put a $130 million offer on the table, but it seems a deal isn't imminent. With Opening Day just around the corner, Kurtz might be playing the waiting game.
At just 23, Kurtz’s stats from last season are nothing short of spectacular. He posted a .290 average with a dazzling 1.002 OPS, racking up 26 doubles, two triples, and 36 homers. His 86 RBIs over 117 games included a memorable night where he blasted four home runs.
Kurtz burst onto the scene as a promising hitter and quickly shattered expectations, becoming one of the league's most formidable bats. Opting not to sign the hefty nine-figure deal right now carries its risks. There's always the chance his performance could dip, potentially jeopardizing future offers.
However, if Kurtz continues his rookie-level dominance, he could be in for an even more lucrative contract down the line. It’s a calculated gamble, and for now, it looks like Kurtz will kick off the season without a new deal in place.