Nick Kurtz

Jim Thome isn't a common comp for high-end draft prospects, but that's the type of player scouts envision Kurtz becoming if he reaches his ceiling. The fourth-overall pick in 2024, Kurtz slashed .353/.450/.608 with two home runs and a 16:9 K:BB in 60 plate appearances in the Arizona Fall League after ending the regular season on the injured list at Double-A Midland due to a hamstring strain. Other than a general lack of athleticism and a bad body (listed at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds), Kurtz's only notable flaw is his injury history -- he missed time with random injuries while putting up cartoonish offensive numbers at Wake Forest (career 1.283 OPS, 46 home runs in 110 games his final two seasons). However, after slashing .368/.520/.763 with four homers in 12 games split between Single-A and Double-A before dominating in the AFL, Kurtz's track record of hitting pro pitching is arguably tops in the 2024 draft class. He could reach the majors this summer if he stays healthy and performs as expected. Read Past Outlooks