The Athletics’ promotion of first base prospect Nick Kurtz, the No. 4 general decide from final yr’s draft, offers the group three middle-of-the-order however defensively restricted sluggers: Kurtz, first baseman Tyler Soderstrom and designated hitter Brent Rooker. Soderstrom and Rooker have primarily dealt with first base and DH, respectively, in 2025, however GM David Forst tells reporters that Soderstrom is now anticipated to see a while in left discipline (hyperlink through Martin Gallegos of MLB.com). Rooker may additionally see occasional nook outfield time; he’s briefly appeared in each left discipline and proper discipline already this season.
Kurtz, listed at 6’5″ and 240 kilos, is unlikely to see any time on the grass. He was a bat-first choice by the A’s final yr, and his efficiency in Triple-A this season has largely mirrored that of Soderstrom on the large league roster. By way of 97 plate appearances, he’s slashing .321/.385/.655 with seven homers and 7 doubles. Kurtz has fanned in 26.8% of his plate appearances but in addition walked at a ten.3% clip.
Although he’s not more likely to see time within the outfield, that doesn’t imply Kurtz is with out defensive worth. Baseball America tabs him as a possible plus defender at first base, noting that he strikes higher than one would possibly count on given his measurement and that he has dependable palms. MLB.com agrees, calling him an “glorious” first base defender regardless of missing the velocity or vary essential to play different positions.
With Kurtz seemingly ticketed for normal work at first base or designated hitter, Soderstrom and Rooker shall be compelled to see extra common time within the outfield. Soderstrom has barely above-average dash velocity, per Statcast, and scouting reviews have lengthy credited him with an above-average arm — as one would count on from a former catcher. He in all probability gained’t be a plus defender within the outfield, however he additionally hasn’t graded properly at first base anyhow. If he can proceed at even 75% of his present .298/.362/.643 tempo, the A’s in all probability gained’t care a lot concerning the protection — no matter which place he’s manning.
It’s an analogous story with Rooker. He’s performed first base and the outfield corners prior to now, by no means drawing constructive grades at any spot. For a participant who’s sporting a .268/.343/.523 batting line and 75 residence runs over his previous 1240 plate appearances, nonetheless, that’s a secondary consideration.
If all three of Rooker, Soderstrom and Kurtz are hitting anyplace near their full capabilities, the A’s all of the sudden appear to be one of the formidable lineups within the American League. Leadoff man Lawrence Butler, who signed an extension previous to the season, is out to a terrific begin after a giant end final yr. He’s batting .289/.340/.534 (150 wRC+) in 424 plate appearances courting again to final June. JJ Bleday, who hit .243/.324/.437 with 20 homers final yr, has begun to warmth up after a chilly begin. Shortstop Jacob Wilson, the No. 6 general decide in 2023, doesn’t have a lot energy however has among the league’s finest contact abilities and has hit .299/.332/.402 in his first 185 plate appearances. Catcher Shea Langeliers isn’t more likely to hit for a excessive common, however he popped 29 homers final season and already has 5 in 2025.