Kurtz was the AL Rookie of the Year last season, slashing .290 with 36 home runs, 86 RBIs, and a 1.002 OPS. His offensive production established him as one of the premier young first basemen in the league, but fielding remained a notable flaw.
A’s infield coach Bobby Crosby emphasized that Kurtz needs to let plays come to him and bring more “swag” to his defense, especially on popups. The message signals a deliberate offseason effort to address one of the few areas where Kurtz has struggled.
Defensively, the Athletics ranked among the league’s worst teams, with subpar fielding percentages and outs above average (OAA) marks across several players. Kurtz finished in the ninth percentile in OAA, reflecting a broader defensive challenge for the club.
The organization expects improved defense to be a driving factor in any playoff push, alongside strong seasons from Kurtz, Wilson, Soderstrom, Langeliers, and Clarke. Pitching will need to solidify as the lineup delivers the run support, given the division’s depth and competitiveness.
In a tough AL West—home to the Rangers, Astros, and Mariners—the A’s will rely on healthy, productive seasons from a core group to contend for a wild-card spot. Kurtz’s progress with the glove could be as pivotal as his bat in shaping the team’s 2026 outlook.
Overall, the narrative around the A’s centers on Kurtz’s two-front approach: maximize offensive production while elevating defense. If he translates improved fielding into consistent game impact, the 2026 season could see Oakland emerge as a more credible playoff contender.
