Kurtz's walk streak ends at 20 games, but on-base streak now at 27

WEST SACRAMENTO -- Nick Kurtz’s streak is officially over.

After drawing a walk in 20 consecutive games -- tied for the second-longest streak since walks first started being tracked for individual hitters (1910 in the National League, 1913 in the American League) -- the Athletics first baseman went 2-for-5 without drawing a free pass in Saturday’s 14-6 loss to the Guardians at Sutter Health Park.

Kurtz, who tied Barry Bonds (2002-03) by walking for the 20th straight game in Friday’s series opener, was just two games from tying the record, set by Roy Cullenbine for the 1947 Tigers.

Most consecutive games with a walk
1947 Roy Cullenbine: 22
2002-03 Barry Bonds: 20
2026 Nick Kurtz: 20
1941 Ted Williams: 19

With the bases loaded in the eighth inning and an opportunity to extend his streak in his final plate appearance of the day, Kurtz instead found a different way to drive home a run. He ripped a 100.6 mph scorcher through the right side, ending his chances of keeping the streak going but picking up his 16th RBI of the season.

Kurtz also singled in his first at-bat, lacing a 109.2 mph grounder up the middle, before striking out twice and flying out to right field. His first hit extended his on-base streak to 27 games, the longest active streak in the Majors.

Kurtz’s historic walk streak started when the A’s opened their series with the Mets on April 10 at Citi Field, as the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year walked twice against New York starter Clay Holmes. It was one of four multiwalk games for Kurtz during the streak, including a three-walk effort against the White Sox on April 18. He drew 25 walks in 94 plate appearances in the 20-game span.

In 2026, Kurtz owns a .243/.416/.417 batting line with five home runs. With 34 walks on the season, he has the outright Major League lead, with Angels star Mike Trout (32) ranking second.