Nick Kurtz, the Athletics first baseman, has just been named the 2025 American League Rookie of the Year. This news came from the Baseball Writers Association of America. Kurtz’s teammate, Jacob Wilson, took the second spot, while Roman Anthony from the Red Sox claimed third. Kurtz was a unanimous choice and will receive a full year of service time due to his voting position. You can see the full voting results here.
Kurtz, picked fourth overall in the 2024 draft, was a top prospect heading into the 2025 season. Though he didn’t start the season with the team, he was called up on April 23. Right away, he showcased his impressive hitting skills. Despite only playing 117 games because of an injury and a late start, he managed to hit 36 home runs.
Though Kurtz had a high strikeout rate of 30.9%, his walk rate of 12.9% helped balance things out. He finished with a slash line of .290/.383/.619, resulting in a wRC+ of 170. Only stars like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani had a better wRC+ among players with at least 20 plate appearances this year.
Interestingly, Kurtz’s late call-up has implications for his future and the team’s strategy. Recent changes in baseball’s collective bargaining agreements discourage teams from holding back top talent for service time tactics. Kurtz only had 159 days of service, just shy of the 172 needed for a full year. However, finishing in the top two of Rookie of the Year voting retroactively grants him a full year. This adjustment means the Athletics’ control over him decreases from six years to five, allowing him to reach free agency by 2030 instead of 2031.
Wilson, another key player for the Athletics, contrasts sharply with Kurtz. He rarely strikes out but lacks the same power, hitting just 13 home runs this season. Wilson’s strikeout rate was one of the lowest among qualified hitters at 7.5%. He achieved a solid .311 average with a 121 wRC+ while playing shortstop, even if his defense wasn’t stellar.
Roman Anthony, who was a top prospect entering 2025, faced obstacles in the crowded Red Sox outfield. He finally got his chance in June due to injuries. In 71 games, he posted an impressive .292/.396/.463 line and earned an eight-year, $130 million contract. Although he faced an injury that cut his season short, he still managed significant contributions, including a high wRC+ of 140.
In the end, several other players also received votes in the Rookie of the Year race. Notably, Noah Cameron of the Royals finished fourth, followed by Colson Montgomery, Carlos Narváez, and others. These emerging talents showcase a bright future for baseball fans as new stars continue to emerge on the field.
For more insights on rookie performances and how they shape team dynamics, check out recent reports from credible sources like MLB.com.
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jacob wilson (b. 2002),nick kurtz,roman anthony
