On a momentous Friday, July 26, 2025, baseball history was irrevocably etched by Oakland Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz. In a performance that transcended mere statistics, the 22-year-old first baseman unleashed an offensive barrage against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park, becoming the first MLB rookie ever to hit four home runs in a single game. This unforgettable night wasn’t just a win for the struggling A’s; it was a dazzling display of power and precision, solidifying Kurtz’s burgeoning legacy and sending ripples through the baseball world.
A Night for the Ages: Unpacking Kurtz’s Masterpiece Performance
Nick Kurtz’s historic outing was far more than just four swings. It was a comprehensive demonstration of offensive prowess that left onlookers in disbelief. Against the Astros, Kurtz went a perfect 6-for-6 at the plate, collecting a single, a double, and his four majestic home runs. This extraordinary stat line culminated in 19 total bases, a feat that tied Shawn Green’s modern-era MLB record set in 2002. Kurtz further elevated his legend by driving in an astounding eight runs and scoring six himself, surpassing even Green’s legendary performance by one RBI.
His home runs came in the second, sixth, eighth, and ninth innings, each off a different Houston Astros pitcher. From starter Ryan Gusto to relievers Nick Hernandez and Kaleb Ort, and even position player Cooper Hummel, no one was safe from Kurtz’s bat. His third homer, a 414-foot solo shot, showcased his raw power, while his final blast, an opposite-field liner off Hummel, capped the Athletics’ dominant 15-3 victory. Intriguingly, his fourth-inning double was reportedly just two feet shy of becoming the first-ever five-homer game in baseball history, highlighting the razor-thin margin between incredible and impossible.
Rewriting the Record Books: A Rookie’s Unprecedented Dominance
Kurtz’s four-homer game didn’t just break one record; it shattered multiple benchmarks, firmly cementing his place in baseball lore.
First MLB Rookie to Hit Four Home Runs: This is the cornerstone of his historic night, a truly singular achievement no other first-year player had managed in over a century of MLB history.
Youngest Player Ever with Four Homers: At precisely 22 years and 135 days old, Kurtz became the youngest player in MLB history to achieve this feat. He dramatically eclipsed the previous record held by Pat Seerey, who was 25 when he accomplished it in 1948.
Fastest to the Feat: This milestone arrived in only Kurtz’s 66th major league game. This rapid ascension far surpasses the previous record holder, Mark Whiten, who took 425 games to hit four homers in 1993.
Elite Company: Kurtz is just the 20th player in Major League history to hit four home runs in a single contest, and remarkably, the first player ever from the Oakland Athletics franchise to do so. His performance also made him only the second player (alongside Shawn Green) to record six hits in a four-homer game.
This confluence of records underscores the sheer improbability and immense talent behind Kurtz’s performance. It wasn’t just a flash of brilliance, but a powerful statement delivered with precision and consistency rarely seen from a player so early in his career.
From Draft Pick to Phenomenon: Kurtz’s Rapid MLB Ascent
Thirteen months before this historic game, Nick Kurtz was completing his third collegiate season as an All-American at Wake Forest. Drafted fourth overall by the Athletics in the 2024 MLB Draft, his journey to the big leagues was remarkably swift. After just 33 minor league games – where he posted a staggering 1.283 OPS in Single-A and Double-A in 2024, followed by a 1.040 OPS in Triple-A – he made his Major League debut on April 23, 2025.
Despite a slow start to his major league career, including an 0-for-21 skid that saw his slash line drop to .208/.259/.299 with just one homer through mid-May, Kurtz’s resilience and talent shone through. In the 43 games following that slump, he has exploded, slashing an incredible .352/.427/.870 with 24 home runs. This remarkable hot streak has positioned him as the clear front-runner for the American League Rookie of the Year award. For the past nine weeks, he has been recognized as arguably the best hitter in baseball overall, even outshining elite sluggers like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani in certain metrics. His 1.060 OPS since his debut is second only to Aaron Judge, another impressive parallel.
Furthermore, Kurtz’s 43 extra-base hits in his first 66 MLB games place him in truly elite company, trailing only legendary Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio in that specific rookie achievement. This rapid ascent and sustained dominance mark him as a “breathtakingly rare” talent, exceeding even the most optimistic pre-draft expectations.
The Anatomy of a Slugger: Kurtz’s Unique Hitting Profile
What makes Nick Kurtz such a special hitter? Athletics manager Mark Kotsay describes him as an “advanced hitter” with “one of the best approaches I’ve ever seen from a young player,” noting that he “continues to just have jaw-dropping moments.” Teammates are equally awestruck. Shortstop Jacob Wilson remarked, “This is not normal. He’s playing a different sport than us right now.” Pitcher Jeffrey Springs highlighted the respect Kurtz commands from opponents, stating they “pitch around him” as if he were a “10-year vet.”
Kurtz’s unique hitting traits include an “easy opposite-field slug” that allows him to drive the ball with power to all parts of the park. Three of his hits off Astros starter Ryan Gusto, including a 384-foot home run and a 381-foot double, were hit to the opposite field. Manager Kotsay specifically lauded Kurtz’s ability to hit a backdoor breaking ball at 109 mph to the opposite field – a testament to his incredible bat control and power. Even in his final at-bat of the historic game, with a potential cycle on the line against a position player pitching, Kurtz maintained his disciplined approach, stating his only thought was to “move the ball forward” and avoid striking out. This disciplined yet powerful approach is a hallmark of truly elite hitters.
The night was made even more special with Kurtz’s parents and godparents watching from the stands at Daikin Park. “This is the first time my godparents have been here,” a near-speechless Kurtz told reporters, “so they probably have to come the rest of the year, to every single game.”
A Beacon for the Athletics: Impact on a Struggling Franchise
For the Oakland Athletics, a franchise often dubbed baseball’s “punchline” due to their struggles on the field, playing in a Triple-A ballpark, and a controversial impending move to Las Vegas, Nick Kurtz’s emergence is a monumental “win.” His rise adds a vital cornerstone to a “very fun collection of young players” that offers a tangible future for the team.
Alongside Kurtz, the A’s boast a late-blooming All-Star designated hitter in Brent Rooker, promising prospects like Jacob Wilson (the No. 6 pick of the 2023 draft, hitting .312), and Denzel Clarke, a standout defender with one of the season’s longest homers. Other young players such as outfielders Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler have also shown flashes of potential. While pitching remains a challenge, the presence of these promising young hitters with significant team control provides a clear path forward. As one observer noted, while the A’s are still a long way from contending for a World Series, they are “miles closer than it was last year” due to this burgeoning core of talent. Kurtz isn’t just a star; he’s a symbol of hope for a franchise desperate for it.
A Place in Cooperstown: Hall of Fame Recognition
To commemorate this extraordinary performance, the Baseball Hall of Fame will receive one of Nick Kurtz’s bats, a signed scorecard, and a photograph, ensuring his place in baseball lore. The baseballs from his final two home runs were also saved, physical tokens of an evening that will be discussed for generations. The sheer “delirium and dumbfoundedness” in the A’s dugout reflected the awe of witnessing a truly game for the ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific MLB records did Nick Kurtz break or tie with his four-homer game?
Nick Kurtz’s historic performance on July 26, 2025, broke or tied several significant MLB records. Most notably, he became the first rookie in Major League Baseball history to hit four home runs in a single game. He also became the youngest player ever to achieve this feat (22 years, 135 days old) and the fastest player to do so in terms of career games (66th appearance). Furthermore, his 19 total bases tied Shawn Green’s modern-era record, and his 8 RBIs surpassed Green’s mark from his own 4-homer game. He also tied the record for six hits in a four-homer game.
How does Nick Kurtz’s rapid rise to MLB stardom compare to other elite prospects?
Kurtz’s ascent is remarkably swift for a fourth overall draft pick, making his MLB debut after just 33 minor league games. Despite an early-season slump, his subsequent explosion has placed him in the conversation as arguably the best hitter in baseball, regardless of rookie status, outperforming even established stars in recent weeks. His 43 extra-base hits in his first 66 MLB games are a testament to his power, trailing only legendary slugger Joe DiMaggio in that specific rookie achievement. This combination of speed to the majors, immediate impact, and record-breaking performance makes his rise “breathtakingly rare” among elite prospects.
What does Nick Kurtz’s performance mean for the future of the Oakland Athletics franchise?
Nick Kurtz’s emergence provides a profound beacon of hope for the Oakland Athletics. For a franchise that has faced significant challenges, including on-field struggles and a controversial relocation, Kurtz represents a vital cornerstone for their future. His talent, coupled with other promising young players like Brent Rooker, Jacob Wilson, and Denzel Clarke, offers a “tangible future” for the team. Kurtz’s star power not only gives fans something truly exciting to rally behind but also signals that the A’s are “miles closer” to building a competitive team around a core of young, controllable talent.
Conclusion
Nick Kurtz’s four-home run game was not just a historical anomaly; it was a powerful declaration of a new force in Major League Baseball. His unique blend of discipline, raw power, and an insatiable drive has quickly transformed him from a highly-touted prospect into a record-breaking phenom. As the Oakland Athletics navigate a pivotal period, Kurtz stands as a symbol of hope, a generational talent around whom a future contender can be built. Baseball fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as this young slugger continues to carve out his remarkable career, adding more chapters to a story that has already defied expectations.
