What happened: Nick Kurtz drew an Aaron Judge comparison for his ability to reach base. The assessment framed Kurtz's offensive ceiling among baseball's elite hitters.
Why it matters: The comparison underscores growing expectations for Kurtz during the 2026 season. Sustained on-base production would strengthen his standing as a foundational middle-of-the-order bat.
By the numbers: Kurtz reached base in 48 consecutive games before the streak ended in June.
What to watch: Kurtz's plate discipline and on-base production will determine whether the comparison holds over a full season.