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2024 MLB Draft Profiles: Nick Kurtz

Dominic Gutierrez / MLB / June 7, 2024

2024 MLB Draft Profiles: Nick Kurtz

For our next 2024 MLB Draft profile, we’ll be looking at Wake Forest first baseman Nick Kurtz. The tall left-hander comes with a ton of pop with above-average fielding.

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 / Power: 65 / Run: 40 / Arm: 50 / Field: 60 / Overall: 60

Coming in at 6’6″ and 240 pounds, Kurtz is a monster at the plate. He’s arguably one of the best power hitters in this draft class. Excellent bat speed, above-average bat-to-ball skills, and an elite eye should put him right in the middle of a batting order.

Kurtz broke out once he got to Wake Forest. After batting .344/.498/.695 with 39 homers in his first two college seasons, he entered 2024 as a candidate to go first in the Draft. A shoulder injury got him off to a slow start this year, but Kurtz has recovered nicely.

Kurtz batted .306/.531/.763 with 22 home runs and 57 RBIs. He hardly ever expands the zone, forcing pitchers to hit the zone or walk him in. Kurtz recorded 189 walks in his three years at Wake Forest. He keeps his strikeout numbers low and it can seem nearly impossible to get him out without giving up contact.

There aren’t many weaknesses in Kurtz’s swing. He crushes both right and left-handed pitching, and it doesn’t matter what type of pitch it is. He’s earned comparisons to Hall of Famer Jim Thome.

Kurtz possesses a good glove at first base and scouts want him to stick there. His arm is good enough for the position, and while his speed isn’t the best, it’s sneaky enough for the basepath and defensively. He made some extra miscues this year at first, but he’s a solid defender with plus athleticism and range.

While he won’t go No. 1, Kurtz should be drafted anywhere from third to seventh overall in the draft.