Athletics' Nick Kurtz walking way to MLB record originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Nick Kurtz walked up to a milestone possessed by Barry Bonds.
The Athletics' slugger earned a seventh-inning walk against the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night, marking the 20th consecutive game he was credited with at least one walk.
Kurtz, who recorded a franchise mark, matched Bonds' effort for the second-longest streak in MLB history. Former Detroit Tigers outfielder and first baseman Roy Cullenbine walked in 22 straight games in 1947, establishing the league's all-time longest streak.
Kurtz, the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year, clubbed 36 homers in 117 games last season. He displayed power as a freshman and patience as a sophomore.
Athletics' Nick Kurtz chasing MLB walks record
Kurtz entered Friday's 8-5 loss to the Cleveland Guardians at Sutter Health Park, batting .245 with five home runs and 15 RBI. His production may be down, but his on-base percentage of .424 is 41 points higher than last season.
The 23-year-old first baseman remains one of the mobile organization's top young players.
Kurtz joined the MLB all-time home run king's mark of 20 straight games with a walk by working a six-pitch at-bat against reliever Hunter Gaddis.
Kurtz fouled off the opening-effort slider, then took three consecutive pitches out of the strike zone. He allowed a called strike on a high 87-mile slider before taking a 94-mph four-seam fastball. It was ruled outside.
Next batter Brent Rooker connected on an RBI single, pulling the Athletics to within 8-5, but relief pitcher Erik Sabrowski retired the next three batters, two on strikeouts.
Kurtz finished 0-for-4 with one walk Friday.
