Nick Curts’ Rookie Season, Simplified: A Historic Start for the A’s
Baseball doesn’t hand out “all-time” labels lightly. Yet through his first 90 games, Nick Curts has put the conversation on the table. The Oakland A’s rookie isn’t just hot for a newcomer—his production stacks up with some of the best early-season stretches the sport has seen.
At a Glance
| MLB Debut | April 23, 2025 (283 days after being drafted) |
| Through 90 games | 28 HR, 1.038 OPS |
| Historic pace (first 66 games) | 43 extra-base hits (2nd-most in last 125 years) |
| Select club | 20+ HR and 1.000+ OPS in first 66 games (one of six since 1901) |
| Signature game | 4 HR on July 25, 2025 (first rookie in MLB history) |
Why This Isn’t Just a Hot Streak
Curts’ July wasn’t merely “good”—he led MLB in average, OBP, slugging, runs, doubles, homers, and RBIs. The underlying shape of the production holds up, too: his plate discipline (honed during a record-setting career at Wake Forest) shows a mature swing decision profile that sustains damage on contact without chasing.
Context & Comparisons
- Joe DiMaggio company: Only DiMaggio has more extra-base hits than Curts through 66 career games across the last 125 years.
- Rookie royalty: Mentions alongside Aaron Judge (52 HR, 2017) and Mike Trout (2012) aren’t hyperbole when you adjust for games played—Curts’ per-game output belongs in the room.
The Ballpark Myth (Briefly)
Some have waved away the breakout with “park boost” claims tied to Sutter Health Park (Sacramento). Two quick notes: the dimensions are comparable to the Oakland Coliseum, and Statcast estimated the Coliseum suppressed offense by ~2% in 2024. Sacramento, historically, has skewed pitcher-friendly in the minors. In short: there’s not much air in the “easy park” argument.
What It Means for the A’s
Timing matters. As the franchise prepares for its move to Las Vegas, Curts is a ready-made cornerstone. Paired with a strengthening farm pipeline, the A’s finally have a headliner who can anchor a competitive arc toward their new stadium era.
Outlook
Small sample caveats apply—he won’t play a full 162 in 2025—but the rate stats and approach scream staying power. On a per-game basis, you could argue Curts is delivering the best rookie season of the modern era. Even with inevitable adjustments, the floor looks high and the ceiling remains the fun part: still rising.