NICK KURTZ GOES #1 TO THE DALLAS COUGARS

With the first pick in the 2024 Mid-West Baseball League Draft, the Dallas Cougars select from the University of Wake Forrest – left-handed-hitting first baseman Nick Kurtz.

Throughout the off-season, Dallas’s management was indecisive between two players, ultimately determining that Kurtz possesses superior power and talent. Kurtz showcases exceptional power across all fields, a testament to his rapid bat speed, robust strength, and left-handed swing tailored for lofting the ball. He is much more than a mere power hitter; Kurtz stands out as a well-rounded batter who dominates both left and right-handed pitching without any glaring weaknesses. His proficiency extends to all pitch types, he exhibits excellent command of the strike zone, and he consistently makes authoritative contact across the entirety of the field.

Defensively, Kurtz is adept at playing first base and boasts arm strength that meets the standards. The primary drawbacks in his game are his less-than-ideal speed—which is not critical given his role and offensive contributions—and a history of injuries, including a broken rib that sidelined him from the final stages of the 2023 College World Series. Should he live up to the expectations set by scouts, Kurtz has the potential to emulate Jim Thome‘s impact, coupled with defensive merit.

FROM THE MWBL SCOUTING BUREAU: NICK KURTZ

• Offensive Profile: Kurtz is a complete hitter with no discernible weakness. He possesses exceptional bat speed, strength, and a left-handed stroke designed to drive balls in the air. He controls the strike zone, covers the entire plate, and hits the ball with authority all over the ballpark.
• Power: Kurtz’s signature tool is his well-above-average power to all fields. He has double-plus raw power and ranks among college baseball’s elite in terms of average exit velocity and 90th percentile exit velocity.
• Defensive Versatility: Kurtz is a solid defender at first base with average arm strength. Some scouts believe he could even play in the outfield at the professional level due to his all-around athleticism.
• Overall Summary:  Kurtz is a potential superstar with a rare combination of power, hitting ability, and defensive versatility. He has the potential to be a force in a big-league lineup and could anchor a team’s offense for years to come.
• Risk/Reward Profile:  Kurtz has a high ceiling but also carries some risk due to his injury history and below-average speed. However, his offensive upside is so significant that he is worth the risk for any team looking to add a middle-of-the-order slugger.
• ETA to the Mid-West Baseball League:   Kurtz is eligible for the 2024 MLB Draft and is expected to be one of the top overall picks. If he continues to produce at a high level in his junior season at Wake Forest, he could be ready to make his MWBL debut in 2026 or 2027.