Nick Kurtz MLB draft 2024: Top 5 landing spots for Wake Forest star ft. Pittsburgh Pirates
Nick Kurtz is most likely to be a first-round pick in next season's MLB draft. The Wake Forest captain has been a standout performer for the Demon Deacons, excelling on the plate on several occasions.
The first baseman posted incredible numbers in the three seasons he played NCAA baseball. Kurtz scored 61 home runs and 182 RBIs at an average of .333. In addition, he has also been walked 189 times and stolen 11 bases, highlighting his threat at the plate.
His exploits this season made him the No. 4 prospect in next season's MLB draft.
Here is a look at the top five landing spots for the Demon Deacons captain.
Top 5 landing spots for Nick Kurtz
#1. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are most likely to benefit from picking Kurtz in the draft. After making LSU Tigers pitcher Paul Skenes the No. 1 overall draft pick last year, adding Kurtz's power to their roster could solve some of their hitting problems given that they are unlikely to chase a free agent with a mega contract.
His Philadelphia roots also make this a move that would work well for both sides. However, the fact that they have the No. 9 pick in the draft could hamper their chances of landing the talented first baseman.
#2. Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians desperately need a hitter to spruce up their batting line-up and Kurtz fits the bill perfectly. However, he will face stiff competition with current starting first baseman Josh Naylor, who has recorded 17 home runs and 50 RBIs this season.
This could pave the way for the Guardians to pick promising second baseman Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
#3. Oakland Athletics
The Athletics could benefit from drafting Kurtz in the first round given their batting struggles this year. Their current first baseman Tyler Soderstorm scored just five home runs and 13 RBIs at an average of .239. Kurtz could be a significant upgrade for the A's.
#4. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox's current 20-54 record suggests they could benefit from picking Kurtz. His consistency in drawing walks and scoring might just be what they need to produce better results next season.
#5. Colorado Rockies
The Rockies will be keen to improve their batting line-up given their struggles this season. However, they also have the option of choosing two-way sensation Jac Caglianone ahead of Kurtz given the Gators star can chip in as a pitcher to help solve their struggles on the mound as well.