On a sunny spring day at David F. Crouch Ballpark, during the tail end of Wake Forest’s batting practice, Nick Kurtz stepped into the cage. Up until that point, BP had been typical: line drives, balls clearing the outfield wall, and infielders fielding grounders, all to the backdrop of upbeat music echoing through the empty stadium.
Then Kurtz swung his bat. The sound was unmistakably loud as the ball rocketed into the outfield. He repeated this feat again and again, sending balls to right field, left field, and center field. While other hitters had impressive moments, Kurtz’s performance was on another level.
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Nick Kurtz is different.
Even among one of the top college baseball teams, loaded with potential Major League talent, Kurtz stands out. At 6-foot-5, he’s not just the tallest of Wake Forest’s position players, but also a team captain and the Demon Deacons’ emotional leader. However, his distinction comes from his pure baseball prowess: Kurtz consistently hits the ball with power and precision unlike anyone else on the team, and like few others in college baseball. His presence is as palpable as it is visible and audible.
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A keen eye.
Effortless power.
Hitting to all fields.
The ball sounds different off his bat.
The typical hitting clichés are evident truths with Kurtz. Combine his batting skills with a big league work ethic and pro-level leadership, and it’s clear why he’s one of the top players in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Kurtz’s coach and teammates attest to his unique talents. “Sometimes I just sit back in awe and watch some of the things he does,” said Wake Forest head coach Tom Walter. “He’s like no hitter I’ve ever seen before. He’s the best hitter I’ve ever coached.”
Kurtz can hit a laser single at 111 mph off the bat or launch a 465-foot homer. Even when he doesn’t get a hit, he’s a challenging at-bat for opponents due to his combination of power and patience. He leads Division 1 in walks, showcasing his exceptional plate discipline and the fact that pitchers often avoid giving him anything good to hit.
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Over his college career, Kurtz has consistently hit at least 15 homers each season, exceeding 20 in the last two. In 2023 and 2024, his on-base percentages have topped .500, and his slugging percentages have approached .800. He had a streak of 14 homers in 10 games from March 31 through April 16, including seven consecutive games with at least one homer, and a three-homer game against Virginia Tech on April 7.
“He has no weaknesses,” Walter said. “He hits velocity, he hits off-speed, and he performs in various counts. He’s also one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever met.”
Despite an early-season slump and a shoulder injury that sidelined him for six games in March, Kurtz’s overall power numbers remain impressive. From March 2 to 29, he experienced his first significant struggle, going 5-for-33 (.152), which briefly lowered his average to .217. Yet, Kurtz remained committed to his proven offensive approach.
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“It’s really easy to abandon ship when things are going bad,” he said. “One of the hardest things is staying consistent with your routine and plan, knowing it will all come back around. It always does.”
Kurtz’s confidence, mental maturity, and patience are key to his success and further distinguish him from other college hitters.
“Seeing him struggle at the beginning of the year, nobody really knew how to react,” said Wake Forest’s super-utility player Seaver King, another likely first-round pick. “But he went about his business the right way every single day, and now you see him being successful. You kind of knew it was coming. He’s one of the best hitters I’ve ever been around.”
As the 2024 MLB Draft approaches, Nick Kurtz continues to draw significant attention, and it’s easy to see why.
