Written By Mauricio Segura // Photo: Golden Bay Times Graphics Dept.
OCT 7, 2025
When your rookie season becomes a national headline, you know you're doing something right. That’s exactly what happened with Nick Kurtz, dubbed “Big Amish” by enthusiastic fans, who after a 36-home-run debut campaign found himself among the American League’s nominees for the Hank Aaron Award. It’s an honor that recognizes offensive excellence across the league, and for a first-year player, it’s nothing short of remarkable.
Kurtz’s path to this nomination was far from smooth. Early in the season, he faced a power drought and a belated call-up that delayed his arrival to the majors. He also battled minor injuries that kept him off the field for stretches. Yet despite those setbacks, he exploded in the second half, hitting homers with a zeal that forced national reporters to take notice.
His 36 home runs stand out not just among rookies, but across the league. That number alone would be a strong season for many established sluggers. For a rookie, it’s a lightning bolt through the offseason chatter. But competing for the Hank Aaron Award isn’t easy. Kurtz will almost certainly go head to head with offensive heavyweights like Aaron Judge, whose consistent stat lines and star power make him a perennial candidate. Still, Kurtz’s nomination underscores the trust that MLB’s voting panel and fans are placing in his upside.
Counting him among the ten chosen for the American League isn’t simply a nod to his power numbers. It’s an acknowledgment that he’s emerged early from the pack, especially considering he began the year in the minors and had to claw his way into a regular role. Some seasons, late surges capture more attention than steady consistency. Kurtz’s power push, paired with the way he overcame adversity, gives this nomination weight.
That said, the nomination doesn’t guarantee a trophy. Voting for the Hank Aaron Award combines fan ballots and a panel of Hall of Famers, which means popularity, timing, and momentum all matter. In November, at the MLB Awards Show, the winner will be chosen, though the process doesn’t necessarily reward raw numbers alone.
Still, for Kurtz and the Athletics, this is a moment to celebrate. The franchise has been in transition, with its quiet exit from Oakland, early plans to play games in Sacramento as it builds toward Las Vegas, and ongoing questions about the team’s long-term identity. In that environment, having a rookie break out like this becomes a rallying point for fans, media, and the front office.
To be sure, Kurtz is still young, and the game will throw curveballs both figuratively and literally. Maintaining consistency, adjusting to pitcher adaptations, and shouldering rising expectations will test him. But his stat line this season suggests he has the foundation to answer each challenge. Every power swing, every clutch at-bat, has pushed him from a name many fans might barely have known to one that’s worth following.
Watching Big Amish’s journey now is more than just rooting for a rookie. It’s tuning into a potential symbol for a franchise in flux. If the Athletics are going to reinvent themselves or redefine their future in a post-Oakland era, Kurtz’s rise may be one of the early chapters.
Fan can vote for Kurtz or the other nominees through October 12, 2025: https://www.mlb.com/hank-aaron-award
