Oakland Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz hit a 493-foot grand slam on September 13, 2025, against the Cincinnati Reds, marking the longest home run of the season. This monumental shot at Sutter Health Park not only led the Athletics' distance chart but also highlighted Kurtz's breakout rookie year. The blast contributed to his 36 home runs and unanimous AL Rookie of the Year honors.
In a standout moment of the 2025 MLB season, Nick Kurtz delivered a historic performance for the Oakland Athletics. On September 13, during a home game at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California, the rookie first baseman crushed a grand slam to dead center field off a Cincinnati Reds pitcher. Measured at an impressive 493 feet, this home run surpassed all others in the league that year, eclipsing even Mike Trout's 485-foot shot for the Angels.
The Athletics' temporary home, Sutter Health Park—typically the domain of the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats—witnessed Kurtz's power unfold in his debut season. This grand slam was not just a team milestone; it became the longest home run hit by an Athletic since Statcast tracking began in 2015. Kurtz's overall campaign was remarkable, with 36 home runs that underscored his rapid rise from prospect to star. His performance earned him the unanimous American League Rookie of the Year award, cementing his place among the season's top talents.
Statcast data highlighted the rarity of such distance, noting that only three home runs exceeded 480 feet in 2025, with Kurtz's leading the pack. For the Athletics, who were navigating a transitional year, this blast symbolized emerging strength amid broader league trends, including a surge in long balls at high-altitude venues like Coors Field. Kurtz's achievement added to the narrative of a season filled with rookie contributions and record-breaking plays, as documented in MLB's year-end reviews.
