Full Breakdown
Nick Kurtz's Walk Streak Ties Barry Bonds for Second-Longest in MLB History
5/2/2026, 1:02:17 PM
Core Event: Record-Setting Walk Streak
Oakland Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz has drawn a walk in 20 consecutive games, matching Barry Bonds for the second-longest streak in Major League Baseball history. The all-time record of 22 games was set by Roy Cullenbine in 1947.
Background & Context
Kurtz, the 2025 American League Rookie of the Year, hit 36 home runs with a 1.002 OPS in his debut season. In his sophomore year his batting average slipped to .236, yet his plate discipline produced a league-leading walk total, surpassing Ted Williams’ 19-game streak from 1941.
Data & Statistics
- Consecutive games with a walk: 19 (three sources) or 20 (two sources).
- Walks this season: 33 in 30 games, edging out Mike Trout’s 32.
- Walk rate: 23.7 % (vs. 12.9 % in 2025).
- On-base percentage: reported as .415, .417, and .424.
- Athletics record: 17-14 (Sports Illustrated) or 17-15 (Sacramento Bee), first place in the AL West.
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans at Sutter Health Park applauded each walk, creating a visible celebration underscoring the streak’s popularity. The Athletics’ official Twitter account posted a standing-ovation video after Kurtz earned his 20th walk, noting the on-base streak reached 26 games. In the May 2 win over Cleveland, his walk loaded the bases with no outs, helping secure a 6-5 win.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact length of the streak (19 vs. 20 games) and on the Athletics’ win-loss record (17-14 vs. 17-15). Reported on-base percentages also vary (.415, .417, .424). No explanation for these discrepancies is provided.
Why It Matters / Impact
Kurtz’s walk streak highlights a shift toward plate discipline as a key offensive driver. By maintaining a high on-base rate, he reinforces the Athletics’ lead in the AL West and places him among a historic group that includes Bonds, Williams and Cullenbine.
What’s Next
The Athletics travel to Philadelphia on Sunday, giving Kurtz a chance to tie Cullenbine’s 22-game record. Extending or breaking the streak would establish a new benchmark for walk consistency in the modern era.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kurtz’s mark is the longest in Athletics history, the longest over a single season in the past 79 years and surpasses legendary Boston Red Sox left fielder Ted Williams’ 19-game streak from 1941.” — J. Villegas, Sacramento Bee
- “Kurtz joined the MLB all-time home run king's mark of 20 straight games with a walk by working a six-pitch at-bat against reliever Hunter Gaddis.” — Sporting News staff
- “Kurtz is a major reason why the Athletics sit in first place atop the AL West at 17-14 and is part of a talented young core that could give the organization some badly needed postseason success.” — Kyle Koster, Sports Illustrated
