Elephant Rumblings: Waiting for Kurtz

Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!

You see it asked, if not demanded, every day: A’s fans are ready for the debut of the team’s No. 1 prospect and top 2024 draft pick, first baseman Nick Kurtz.

Fangraphs says that the big 22-year-old “is an advanced, well-rounded bat who has a good chance to be the first hitter from last year’s draft to debut in the bigs.” Meanwhile, Kurtz is doing all he can in Triple-A to force his way to the majors: through his first 14 games with the Aviators this season, he’s slashed .367/.409/.817 with seven home runs and a wRC+ of 194.

There are a couple of complicating factors that could be creating a bit of friction impeding Kurtz’s ascension. For one, the A’s…