Athletics' Nick Kurtz falls just short of impressive MLB record

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) smiles during a pitching change during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Sutter Health Park. Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

Athletics' Nick Kurtz falls just short of impressive MLB record

By Andrew Wright | Last updated May 2, 2026 8:47 PM ET

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When you're getting close to breaking an all-time MLB record that has been standing since 1947, you're doing something right. A slugging left-hander had his chance for history denied on Saturday.

Nick Kurtz comes so close to history

Athletics slugging first baseman Nick Kurtz entered Saturday's game having drawn a walk in 20 consecutive games. The mark was tied with Barry Bonds for the second-longest of all time.

The lone man that Kurtz trailed entering Saturday was Roy Cullenbine, as he set the mark with a walk in 22 straight games in the 1947 season.

Kurtz's quest for history ended in Saturday's 14-6 loss, as he failed to draw a walk for the first time since April 9th.

Nick Kurtz did not work a walk today, ending his 20-game walk streak that tied Barry Bonds for the second-longest in MLB history.

Roy Cullenbine's all-time record of 22 games remains safe pic.twitter.com/Ixgex98g5L
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 2, 2026

Nick Kurtz and company have the A's in first place

Entering Saturday, the Athletics held a 1/2 game lead over the Texas Rangers for first place in the American League West. While he hasn't had the best start, average-wise (.243), Kurtz's .416 on-base percentage is tied for the ninth-best so far this season.

His contributions, along with Shea Langeliers, Jacob Wilson and Jeff McNeil, have played a key role in getting the A's to first place.

Pitching will play a key role in the season-long success

The current rotation ERA of 4.35 for the Athletics ranks 20th in MLB. If that staff can stay in the hunt and make upgrades at the trade deadline, playoff baseball may be headed to Sacramento for the first time.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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