Nick Kurtz Tops Jim Bowden’s 2025 AL Rookies List

The 2025 MLB season has taken a wild turn in the Rookie of the Year race. Early on, Jackson Jobe and Jasson Domínguez looked like favorites, but injuries and uneven play knocked them out of contention.

Now, the Oakland Athletics have crashed the conversation with not just one, but two rookies making noise. First baseman Nick Kurtz leads the way, swinging a powerful bat and showing off patience well beyond his years.

Shortstop Jacob Wilson has also made waves, even though his season got cut short by injury. Both have given A’s fans something to get excited about again.

Nick Kurtz: The AL Rookie of the Year Front-Runner

Nick Kurtz has been electric for Oakland. At only 22, he’s slashing .309/.403/.632 with 29 home runs already.

Statcast backs up the hype—he’s hitting the ball as hard as anyone in the league, night after night. That power jumps off the screen and into highlight reels.

Sure, his defense at first is still coming along, but his bat more than makes up for it. Few rookies bring this much power and patience at the plate, and pitchers are struggling to solve him.

Why Kurtz Stands Out Among This Year’s Rookies

Kurtz leads this rookie class not just in homers, but in advanced stats too. His blend of slugging and getting on base gives the A’s a real building block for the future.

He’s been a steady force at the plate, and it’s hard not to notice how often he shows up in the nightly highlights.

Jacob Wilson’s Stellar but Shortened Campaign

Jacob Wilson has given Oakland another reason to celebrate. He made the All-Star team, showing off contact skills and a patient approach that you usually see in veterans.

Then, a fractured forearm in the second half hit pause on his breakout. Even so, Wilson ranks among league leaders in batting average and rarely strikes out. The guy just knows how to put the bat on the ball.

Wilson’s Role in Oakland’s Future

If Wilson comes back healthy, Oakland could have its left side of the infield set for years. He gets on base, plays a clean shortstop, and pairs perfectly with Kurtz.

Notable Rookie Performances Around the League

Oakland’s rookies have grabbed the spotlight, but they’re not alone. Other first-years are making their mark in 2025:

• Roman Anthony (Boston Red Sox): At 21, hit .292/.396/.463 before an oblique injury ended his regular season. The Red Sox clearly believe in him—they locked him up with an eight-year, $130 million extension.
• Jack Leiter (Texas Rangers): Finally showing why he was a first-round pick, posting a 3.74 ERA and dominating down the stretch.
• Tyson Cameron (Kansas City Royals): Quietly broke out with a five-pitch mix and a sharp 3.03 ERA.
• Drew Warren (New York Yankees): Took the ball for 29 starts, looking tough at Yankee Stadium but less so on the road, finishing with a 4.28 ERA.
• Kyle Teel (Chicago White Sox): Gave Chicago the two-way catcher they needed, showing upside at the plate and behind it.
• Elijah Smith (Houston Astros): Flashes athleticism and versatility that could really pay off long-term.
• Omar Narváez (Boston Red Sox): Steady hand with the pitching staff and chipped in at the plate.
• Colson Montgomery (Chicago White Sox): Power is up, average is down, but he’s making an impact.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 season hasn’t gone the way most people expected. Still, the rookie class has brought a jolt of energy and hope to a handful of teams.

Oakland’s young pair, Kurtz and Wilson, have sparked real optimism for their fans. Meanwhile, Anthony, Leiter, and Cameron look like they’re building something that’ll last.

If Nick Kurtz keeps this up, he might just put together one of the most memorable rookie years we’ve seen in a while.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Nick Kurtz leads list of Jim Bowden’s top 10 American League rookies