Nick Kurtz: College| Contract| Jersey| Nickname| Call up| How old is

Introduction

Nick Kurtz has emerged as one of the more compelling young talents in Major League Baseball. Drafted early, called up quickly, and already making waves, his story offers plenty of substance for baseball-fans, analysts and casual observers alike. This article will dig into his college career, contract details, jersey number, nickname origins, his MLB call-up, and his age — giving you a full profile of this rising star.

1. Early Life and College Career

Nick Kurtz was born on March 12, 2003, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
He attended high school and earned attention as a potent hitter, eventually committing to play college baseball for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the ACC.

At Wake Forest:

• As a freshman, he made an immediate impact with a .338 batting average, showing power and on-base ability.

• In his sophomore year, he exploded with 24 home runs, 69 RBIs and an OPS approaching .800 slugging, earning first-team All-American honours.

• By his junior year, he was team captain and continued to dominate offensively.

His college tenure clearly established him as one of the top batscoming into the draft.

Why his college career matters

When you’re scouting future MLB talent, college performance — especially in a strong conference like the ACC — holds weight. Kurtz’s consistent production, power numbers, and plate discipline helped raise his stock significantly. Scouts noted that his approach at the plate and his ability to adjust made him a standout.

2. Draft and Contract Details

Nick Kurtz’s transition from college to professional baseball was swift and notable.

• In the 2024 MLB Draft, the Oakland Athletics selected him 4th overall.

• Shortly after the draft, he signed his contract. According to his biography, he received a signing bonus estimated around $7 million.

• His minor-league progression was rapid: he began in Single-A (Stockton Ports), then quickly moved to Double-A (Midland RockHounds) and was assigned to Triple-A (Las Vegas Aviators) to begin 2025.

Contract nuance and expectations

While the signing bonus figures are public, the full contract details (guaranteed salary, incentives, years) are less frequently disclosed for rookies. However, being a top-5 pick puts Kurtz in a category where expectations are high: teams expect near-major-league contributions within a year or two.

In Kurtz’s case, the Athletics clearly fast-tracked him. As one article noted:

“Kurtz seems likely to debut sometime [in 2025]… the team could call him up at some point in 2025.”

3. Jersey Number & Position

Nick Kurtz plays as a first baseman (1B) for the Oakland Athletics. 
His jersey number: #16.

Notes on jersey and position

• First base is a position often occupied by power hitters; Kurtz fits that mold with his size (listed at 6′5″, 240 lbs) and bat strength.

• The number 16 is not among the most iconic jersey numbers in baseball history, but it can become associated with a player when that player makes his mark. As Kurtz begins his career with high performance, #16 may become more recognised among fans.

4. Nickname: “Big Amish”

One of the fun, human-interest details about Kurtz is his nickname: “Big Amish.”

Origin story

• Kurtz hails from Lancaster, PA-area, which is well-known for its Amish community. The nickname plays off that regional association plus his large frame (6′5″, 240 lbs).

• His teammates, coaches and media have embraced the nickname. Part of the fun is that after home runs he’s been known to do a motion reminiscent of churning butter — a playful nod to Amish-country imagery.

Why it matters

Nicknames help players connect with fans and media; they add personality and branding. For Kurtz, “Big Amish” is memorable, regional, and tied to his identity (height, heritage, hometown). It sets him apart in the landscape of MLB personalities.

5. MLB Call-Up and Rookie Season

The timeline of his call-up and debut is key to understanding how rapidly his career is moving.

• The Athletics selected his contract and called him up on April 23, 2025.

• His rookie season has been impressive: as of the 2025 season, Kurtz bat­ted around .290 with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs — signalling a major impact in his first full year.

• Prior to his call-up he spent very little time in the minors, making his ascent almost meteoric.

What it means for his career

A fast call-up and strong rookie season can set the tone for a long, successful career. It shows that the club believes he’s MLB-ready and that he can handle big-league pitching and pressure. For fans and analysts, early performance like this signals “watch this player”.

6. How Old Is He?

Nick Kurtz was born on March 12, 2003. 
As of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, he is 22 years old.

Age in context

In MLB, a 22-year-old rookie slugger is still quite young; many players debut later. The combination of age + production + position makes Kurtz appear as a cornerstone piece for the Athletics’ future.

7. Why Kurtz Matters: Outlook and Potential

Putting all the pieces together, here’s why Kurtz is a figure worth following:

• Elite bat: His college numbers were outstanding; his minor-league performance was dominant; his major-league transition has been smooth.

• Physical tools: At 6′5″ and 240 lbs, he has the size for power and presence at first base.

• Fast advancement: From draft to majors in less than a full season. Teams normally give more seasoning; this shows high confidence.

• Charisma and branding: The nickname “Big Amish,” jersey #16, and his rapid rise make him marketable and memorable.

• Lock for the future: Given his age, position and early production, he could be a franchise-type player.

Challenges to monitor

• First base is less defensively demanding than some other positions — so sustained value relies heavily on bat production.

• Pitchers will adjust to him: how he adapts will matter.

• Injuries can derail early momentum: staying healthy is key.

8. Quick Facts Table

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What college did Nick Kurtz attend?
A1: He attended Wake Forest University in North Carolina, playing for the Demon Deacons.

Q2: What was his draft position and contract?
A2: He was selected 4th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics. His signing bonus was approximately US$7 million.

Q3: What jersey number does he wear, and what position does he play?
A3: He plays first base and wears jersey number 16.

Q4: What is his nickname and why?
A4: His nickname is “Big Amish”, derived from his Lancaster, PA roots (an area known for Amish communities) and his large size as a player (6′5″, 240 lbs). He even does a butter-churn celebration after home runs.

Q5: When was he called up to the MLB and how has he performed?
A5: He was called up on April 23, 2025. In his rookie season, he has been impressive, batting around .290 with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs (through the 2025 season) which signals a strong start to his MLB career.

Q6: How old is Nick Kurtz?
A6: He was born on March 12, 2003, making him 22 years old during the 2025 season.

Conclusion

Nick Kurtz is not just another prospect: he’s a young player who hit the ground running, with high-end tools, strong college pedigree, early professional success, and the kind of personality (and nickname) that helps fans remember him. Whether you’re watching his jersey #16 fly around the bases, seeing another “Big Amish” homer, or tracking his long-term value at first base — he’s a player whose career will be worth following.