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4d ago

Nick Kurtz Reaches 30 Homers as AL Rookie of the Year Race Tilts His Way

Jacob Wilson stays in the hunt thanks to elite contact rates after an IL return.

Image
Sep 10, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
Sep 9, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) singles during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (5) watches a ball soar over his head during the sixth inning in a game against the Texas Rangers at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Overview

  • MLB’s final Rookie of the Year expert poll keeps Oakland’s Nick Kurtz atop the American League field, with teammate Jacob Wilson also among the leading vote-getters.
  • ESPN Bet lists Kurtz as an overwhelming favorite for AL ROY at -50000 odds, reflecting widespread market confidence.
  • Kurtz joined the 30-homer club with a blast against Boston rookie Payton Tolle, and Oakland won on a Lawrence Butler walk-off.
  • Wilson’s case remains metrics-backed, featuring exceptionally low strikeouts and one of MLB’s best batting averages following his return.
  • Oakland’s future core continues to deepen, as 18-year-old prospect Leo De Vries became the first teen since 2011 to record multiple Double-A homers and the club set its Arizona Fall League contingent.