CC Sabathia on entering the Hall of Fame and wearing a Yankees cap on his plaque
CC Sabathia will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame this July and tells USA TODAY Sports why his plaque will feature him wearing a Yankees cap.
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Nine months after selecting him fourth overall in the MLB draft, the Athletics are calling up top prospect Nick Kurtz, according to multiple reports.
The 6-foot-5 first baseman has played only 32 professional games but easily played his way to the majors, hitting 11 home runs with 37 RBI and a .336 average across three levels since being drafted. A slugger at Wake Forest, Kurtz was long in the conversation for the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, ultimately falling to the then-Oakland Athletics at No. 4.
With Kurtz’s arrival, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay has a good problem as incumbent first baseman Tyler Soderstrom leads the majors with nine homers entering Tuesday. Designated hitter Brent Rooker, who won the Silver Slugger last year hitting 39 HR with 112 RBI, has experience in the outfield corners – but only played the field 14 times last season. Athletics GM David Forst told reporters Tuesday the team is comfortable playing Kurtz every day – not in a platoon role – and that Soderstrom and Rooker will each get time in left field.
Playing their home games in West Sacramento until their new home is ready in Las Vegas, the Athletics are 10-12 entering Tuesday. Now adding one of the premier power hitters in the minor leagues, the A’s already rank seventh in home runs.
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson is already among the early favorites for AL Rookie of the Year, batting .354 in 82 at-bats so far, but his new teammate Kurtz could join the conversation immediately.
Nick Kurtz stats
Kurtz made his pro debut in 2024, , batting .368 with four homers and 13 RBI in 12 games at Classes A and AA. He played in the 2024 Arizona Fall League, batting .353 with seven extra-base hits and 11 RBI in 13 games for Mesa.
In 20 games with Triple-A Las Vegas to begin the 2025 season, Kurtz hit seven home runs with 24 RBI and a 1.040 OPS.
Nick Kurtz prospect rankings
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