The advanced metrics that prove Nick Kurtz is a sustainable star for the A's

After making a name for himself at Wake Forest, Nick Krutz came into the 2024 MLB Draft as a top prospect. He caught the attention of the Athletics, who selected him with the fourth overall pick. 

It did not take him long to rise through the minors. It would take just under a year before he would make his MLB debut and become a mainstay. 

Kurtz did not just open the door to his professional career; he knocked the door off its hinges. He would go on to hit home run after home run and became the first MLB rookie to hit four home runs in a single game, and went on to win the American League Rookie of the Year Award. 

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The advanced metrics that prove Nick Kurtz is a sustainable star for the A's

During his rookie year, Kurtz played in 117 games, hitting .290/.383/.619 with an astounding 36 home runs and 86 runs batted in. His numbers rivaled those of some of the best with the bat in their hands, like Shohei Ohtani and Cal Raleigh. 

His rookie year wasn't just a fluke. He is the real deal, and Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter explains why fans should expect more of the same from him in the future.

"With elite marks in barrel rate (98th percentile), hard-hit rate (92nd percentile) and bat speed (98th percentile), all signs point to his top-tier production being sustainable, and he looks like a franchise cornerstone for the Athletics."

He swings the bat hard and consistently finds the sweet spot of the bat, making for hard contact. 

On top of that, you can factor in his mental discipline. He had a walk rate of 12.9%, which is above-average. So, he can get on base in more ways than one, unlike some other power hitters across the league.

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