Nick Kurtz Makes History With 4-Homer Game in Breakout MLB Performance

On a Friday night that baseball fans won’t forget anytime soon, Nick Kurtz, the Oakland Athletics’ rookie first baseman, etched his name into the MLB history books with an unforgettable performance. The 22-year-old slugger smashed four home runs in a single game, becoming the first rookie ever to accomplish the feat and just the 20th player in MLB history overall.

But that was only the beginning.

From Rookie to Record-Breaker: Nick Kurtz’s Legendary Night

Facing the first-place Houston Astros, Kurtz went 6-for-6 at the plate, tied the MLB record for most total bases in a single game (19), and drove in 8 RBIs. He crossed the plate six times, matching modern-era records for most runs scored and extra-base hits in a game.

If his fourth-inning double had traveled just a few feet farther, Kurtz would’ve become the first player ever to hit five home runs in a single game. Let that sink in one more inch and baseball history would’ve been rewritten again.

Four Home Runs, Four Different Pitchers

Kurtz’s fireworks show wasn’t a fluke. He took four different Astros pitchers deep, showcasing just how locked in he was. From starter Ryan Gusto to relievers Nick Hernandez and Kaleb Ort, and finally position-player Robbie Hummel they all fell victim to Kurtz’s raw power and sharp eye.

While the Astros didn’t send out their top-tier arms, that doesn’t diminish what Kurtz accomplished. The fact that each homer came against a different pitcher adds another layer of difficulty and prestige to this monster night.

A Once-in-a-Generation Talent

For many, Nick Kurtz may still be a new name, but Friday’s explosion was the culmination of a remarkable journey that began just over a year ago.

Drafted 4th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft by the A’s, Kurtz made his professional debut after dominating at Wake Forest, where he was a back-to-back All-American. He signed his contract just 368 days ago and quickly rose through the minors, crushing Single-A and Double-A pitching with a combined 1.283 OPS, followed by 1.040 OPS in Triple-A.

By late April 2025, Nick Kurtz had earned his call-up. And while he initially struggled hitting just .208 with one home run through May 19 his turnaround since then has been nothing short of spectacular.

From Cold Start to MVP Talks

Since breaking out of an 0-for-21 slump, Kurtz has turned into one of the most feared hitters in baseball. Over his last 43 games, he’s slashing .352/.427/.870 with 24 home runs. That’s an outrageous 90-homer pace over a full season!

His current season stats as of July 2025:

Batting Average: .288
Home Runs: 19
RBIs: 50+
OPS: .982
At-Bats: 233

Those numbers are elite, even by veteran standards and Kurtz is just getting started.

Chasing Legends: DiMaggio and Ted Williams

To put things into perspective: in their first 66 MLB games, even Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams didn’t have as many extra-base hits as Kurtz. That’s the level of company he’s suddenly keeping.

Nick Kurtz in a dramatic college baseball action scene.

He’s not just on pace to win AL Rookie of the Year he’s putting together a résumé that could insert him into MVP conversations if he keeps this pace through the rest of the season.

The Double That Almost Made MLB History

Perhaps the wildest moment of the game came in the fourth inning when Kurtz laced a line drive to deep right-center. The ball hit the wall just short of clearing the fence a few more feet, and he would’ve become the first player in MLB history to hit five home runs in a game.

Baseball is a game of inches, and this was a brutal reminder. Still, Kurtz’s night will go down as one of the greatest individual performances the sport has ever seen.

A Bright Light for a Struggling Franchise

Let’s not forget: the Oakland Athletics have been the subject of ridicule for the past few years. Between a Triple-A stadium in Sacramento, stalled plans in Las Vegas, and years of losing seasons, the A’s desperately needed a spark. Nick Kurtz may be that spark.

The A’s haven’t won 70 games in a season since 2021, but suddenly, there’s a reason for hope. Kurtz, along with young talent like Jacob Wilson (.311 AVG), Brent Rooker, and Denzel Clarke, represents a new generation of exciting, controllable talent that could make Oakland (or Las Vegas) a contender again.

The A’s Youth Movement Is Real

Other rising stars in the Athletics system include:

Jacob Wilson (SS) – Hitting .311 with consistent defensive play.
Denzel Clarke (OF) – An elite defender with massive power potential.
Tyler Soderstrom & Lawrence Butler – Flashing real promise in their first full seasons.

While the pitching staff remains a work in progress, the offensive core is starting to look dangerous and young. That’s something every front office dreams of.

Is This the Best Rookie Season Ever?

The question is no longer whether Kurtz is the best rookie this year. It’s whether we’re witnessing one of the best rookie seasons of all time. And if he continues to hit like this, the answer might be a resounding yes.

There’s a long way to go in the 2025 season, but one thing is certain: Nick Kurtz has arrived, and baseball is better for it.

Why This Matters

Kurtz’s story resonates not just because of the numbers but because it reminds fans why they love baseball the unexpected breakout, the underdog team, and the magic of a young player doing something we’ve never seen before.

His performance proves that greatness can come out of nowhere. And in a sport built on tradition and records, Kurtz just authored one of the most thrilling chapters in recent memory.