In what will likely go down as one of the greatest offensive performances in Major League Baseball history, 22-year-old Oakland Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz made headlines by hitting four home runs in a single game. This remarkable achievement came just one year after he was drafted fourth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. On Friday night, Kurtz delivered a once-in-a-generation performance, going 6-for-6 and leading the A’s to a dominant 15-3 victory over the Houston Astros, one of the top teams in the league.
An Unforgettable Night at the Plate
Kurtz’s four-homer game places him in elite company. He became just the 20th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game and the first rookie to ever do so. But his performance didn’t stop there. He added a double and a single to his tally, giving him six total hits, including five extra-base hits, eight RBIs, and six runs scored.
In total, he accumulated 19 total bases, which ties the all-time record set by Shawn Green in 2002. Kurtz also matched modern-era records for runs scored and extra-base hits in a single game, further solidifying the magnitude of his performance.
A Historic Feat That Nearly Went Even Further
In the fourth inning, Kurtz smacked a double that landed just short of the fence. Had the ball traveled only two more feet, it would have become his fifth home run of the game—a milestone no player in MLB history has reached. It’s a striking reminder of just how close Kurtz came to breaking the most prestigious single-game home run record.
Notably, each of his home runs came off a different pitcher, showing that this wasn’t a fluke against a single struggling arm.
Breaking Down the Astros’ Pitchers
While the Astros are one of the better teams in the American League, their pitching staff on Friday night didn’t represent their top talent. The damage began with starting pitcher Ryan Gusto, who came into the game with a 4.46 ERA. After him, relievers Nick Hernandez (with a 9.00 ERA in just one inning of work), Kaleb Ort (5.40 ERA), and even Cooper Hummel, a position player brought in during the blowout, all took the mound—and all surrendered home runs to Kurtz.
Despite the rotation not being filled with elite arms, hitting four home runs in a game is still incredibly rare and impressive, especially by a player just a few months into his MLB career.
Nick Kurtz: From College Star to MLB Sensation
Just over a year ago, Nick Kurtz was finishing up a dominant collegiate career at Wake Forest University, where he earned back-to-back All-American honors. His powerful left-handed swing and plate discipline made him a standout in the 2024 draft, but some scouts were concerned about his history with injuries and his defensive limitations as a first-base only player.
Despite these concerns, the Oakland Athletics selected him fourth overall, betting on his elite bat. That gamble appears to be paying off in historic fashion.
After signing with Oakland, Kurtz wasted no time making his mark in the minor leagues:
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Single-A and Double-A (2024 season): He posted a jaw-dropping 1.283 OPS
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Triple-A (early 2025): He continued to dominate with a 1.040 OPS
He was called up to the majors in late April 2025, less than 370 days after signing his first professional contract.
A Rocky Start to a Red-Hot Streak
Kurtz’s initial weeks in the majors were underwhelming. Through May 19, he was hitting just .208, with a .259 on-base percentage, a .299 slugging percentage, and only one home run to his name. He endured an 0-for-21 slump that cast doubt on whether he was ready for the big leagues.
Since May 20, however, Kurtz has been the most productive hitter in baseball. Over the next 43 games, he hit:
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.352 batting average
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.427 OBP
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.870 slugging percentage
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24 home runs
This performance projects to an astonishing 90.4 home run pace over a full 162-game season—numbers that rival the greatest power hitters in baseball history.
Outperforming Baseball’s Biggest Names
Since his turnaround in late May, Kurtz has outperformed superstars like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Cal Raleigh. He is not only the clear front-runner for American League Rookie of the Year, but also arguably the best hitter in the league over the past two months.
Very few players—rookie or veteran—ever experience such an extended period of elite dominance at the plate.
Oakland A’s Finally Have a Star to Build Around
Kurtz’s breakout game represents more than personal achievement; it signals a shift in the Oakland Athletics’ fortunes. The A’s have been mired in irrelevance for several seasons, plagued by poor attendance, relocation drama, and underwhelming rosters. Since 2021, they haven’t won more than 70 games in a season.
Currently, the team is playing its home games at a Triple-A stadium in Sacramento, as it awaits the construction of a controversial and partially-funded new ballpark in Las Vegas.
Despite the off-field uncertainty, there’s a new sense of hope among A’s fans.
A Young Core Full of Promise
Kurtz headlines a group of promising young players who could help turn the franchise around:
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Brent Rooker: A late-blooming designated hitter who made the All-Star team and has become a consistent offensive force.
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Jacob Wilson: The No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, currently hitting .312 and proving himself as a contact machine.
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Denzel Clarke: A dynamic defender with power, known for hitting one of the longest home runs in MLB this year.
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Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler: Talented outfielders showing growth in their first MLB seasons.
Although pitching remains a weak spot, the A’s front office may prioritize building around this young, cost-controlled offensive core, offering flexibility for future trades or free-agent additions.
Can the A’s Build a Contender?
There’s still a long way to go before the A’s are ready to compete for a World Series, but the emergence of Kurtz and other young stars has dramatically accelerated their timeline. The team now has multiple foundational pieces, giving fans a reason to believe in the rebuild.
Kurtz, with his explosive bat and calm approach, is quickly becoming the face of the franchise, and his rise is bringing much-needed attention to a club that had become an afterthought.
What This Means for Baseball
In a league often dominated by veterans and high payroll teams, a rookie like Nick Kurtz rewriting the record books brings excitement and hope for small-market franchises. His performance isn’t just a highlight for the Athletics — it’s a landmark moment for Major League Baseball.
As Kurtz’s bats, jerseys, and game-worn gear are prepared to be sent to Cooperstown, one thing is clear: the baseball world is witnessing the birth of a potential superstar.
The information is collected from ESPN and Yahoo.
