Athletics ROTY Nick Kurtz Gets $190 Million Contract Update

A's must lock down their young star after extensions for Soderstrom and Wilson.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Oakland Athletics have made several big moves this offseason, extending young stars Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson. However, they have yet to extend the crown jewel of their offense, Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz. Experts predict the A's will need to offer Kurtz a 10-year, $190 million extension to keep him in Oakland, but he may hold out for an even bigger deal.

Why it matters

Kurtz had a breakout rookie season in 2025, hitting .290 with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs. Locking him down long-term would give the A's a superstar cleanup hitter for the next decade as they transition to Las Vegas. However, Kurtz may demand an even larger contract, potentially pricing him out of Oakland's range.

The details

The A's have already extended young stars Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson this offseason. But they have yet to sign Kurtz, who put up one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory. Experts predict the A's will need to offer Kurtz a 10-year, $190 million deal to keep him, but he may hold out for an even bigger contract similar to the one Julio Rodriguez signed with the Mariners.

  • In the 2025 season, Kurtz slashed .290/.383/.619/1.002 with 26 doubles, 36 home runs, and 86 RBIs in 117 games.
  • The A's are set to move to Las Vegas starting in the 2027 season.

The players

Nick Kurtz

The Athletics' Rookie of the Year in 2025 who had a breakout season, hitting .290 with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs.

Tyler Soderstrom

A young star the A's have already extended this offseason.

Jacob Wilson

Another young star the A's have extended this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The A's have locked up just about every other member of their promising young core. But the crown jewel is Kurtz, who wasn't just great as a rookie last season — he put together one of the best first seasons in the Majors we've seen in recent history, including 36 homers in just 117 games. No doubt the team would love to sign him to an extension as well. But there's just one problem: It's almost impossible to find a first baseman this good, this fast who signed an extension that could serve as a starting point.”

— Chris Landers, Writer (Fansided)

What’s next

The A's will need to move quickly to lock down Kurtz with a long-term extension before he potentially hits free agency, where he could command an even larger contract.

The takeaway

The A's have built an impressive young core, but keeping Kurtz long-term will be crucial as they transition to Las Vegas. Signing him to a lucrative extension could keep their superstar slugger in the fold for the next decade.