“Thoughts and Prayers to Broadcasters”: A’s Prospect Has MLB Fans Roaring After Catching Unwanted Attention With Name

The Oakland Athletics have spent years finding their footing in the league. And now, their roster finally looks promising. As the team aims for a .500 record, they have gathered young and strong prospects. Don’t worry—this time, it’s nothing like ‘letting a few prospects play in September.’ This time, we are finally seeing a team that exudes confidence in giving the young rising talents a chance to grow and win together.

Now, the name that’s currently causing the chatter from Oakland in the league is Nick Kurtz. As reported by Talkin’ Baseball, the Athletics have called him up. And if you have been actively following his career, you would know about his plethora of soaring home runs.

It’s fair to mention that he carries ridiculous potential and an impressive record. Just last season, Kurtz hit 4 home runs across 12 minor league appearances. And in 2025? We’re just halfway into the season, and he has already hit 7 home runs across 20 appearances. And while you think these should be the main reason for all the attention he is grabbing, well, apparently, it’s not!

The A’s are calling up their 2024 1st round pick pic.twitter.com/AZ7Wm4Pqeb

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 21, 2025

More than his impressive bat, fans are focused on the sound of his full name! Just try and say his name in a hurry, maybe. An unfortunate sound – one too similar to an unintended racial slur. But is it fair to let the phonetics do the talking when his game shows the strong foundation he has had during his 3 college seasons with the Wake Forest University?

The Athletics’ top prospect had 61 homers under his name after those seasons. And during his brief period in the minors, Kurtz managed to hit 10 doubles. Talking about this season, the A’s first-round pick has launched a stellar 95.1 mph average velocity. Proves that he is a top power-hitting player who is not taking advantage of a power-friendly atmosphere in Las Vegas.

Still, we cannot ignore how fans are pointing out things about his name! Wait till you watch it!

The A’s name fans can’t keep calm about

In all fairness, the hype around Nick Kurtz’s debut in the A’s should be solely centered around his potential power at the plate. But strangely, it’s his name that has caught all the attention. In fact, some are genuinely confused. We certainly did not see this one coming. But yes, his name has made the most noise, not his bat.

The most viral reaction on X highlighted the humorous side of how ‘Nick Kurtz’ resembles the N-word. As one puts it, “Just don’t say his name too fast.” It’s like, once you hear it, you can’t unhear it. Apparently, fans were too creative to make light-hearted jokes about it. It’s strange how, more than his talent, the sound of his name became the focal point.

Then, there were warnings for the broadcasters, and they kept them in their prayers. A fan stated, “Thoughts and prayers go out to all broadcasters.” The fan seemed concerned about the difficulties the broadcasters might face when this A’s pick comes into action, and they will have to announce it. Woah! Overthinking, right! Fans literally are a little too amused by his name.

They just couldn’t sit with the sound of Kurtz’s name and his impact. Too hard to digest for this fan, as he puts it, “Nick WHAT?” It seems like Kurtz’s debut is clearly getting overshadowed by the sound of his name. Don’t you think? This was definitely one baffled reaction. Fans just cannot wrap their head around Kurtz’s name and the sound.

Once again, a similar reaction. A fan subtly made fun of how his name sounds. Just three words, and he delivered his message, “This Nick Kurtz…” It was so unexpected that fans would blow up the internet with just one collective feeling they all got by hearing his name.

Others were, again, downright shocked. As an X user puts it, “His name is what?” They seemed genuinely confused. It wasn’t just the sound but the awkwardness it carries, too, probably!

It’s surprising how Nick Kurtz’s debut took such a weird turn. And that made one thing clear: Fans won’t be letting go of this easily. But once he gets in action and proves his game, fans might stop caring about the sound of his name. Thoughts?

The post “Thoughts and Prayers to Broadcasters”: A’s Prospect Has MLB Fans Roaring After Catching Unwanted Attention With Name appeared first on EssentiallySports.