Nick Kurtz and JJ Bleday Shine in MLB May Awards
May 1, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (7) walks back to the dugout after making a pitching change during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images
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In May, Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics was named AL Player of the Month, while former A's outfielder JJ Bleday received the NL honor playing for the Cincinnati Reds. Kurtz batted .333 with five home runs, while Bleday posted a .301 average and a 1.018 OPS, showcasing their offensive prowess.
- 01Nick Kurtz won the AL Player of the Month award for May, marking his second time receiving this honor.
- 02JJ Bleday, a former A's player, was recognized as the NL Player of the Month after a strong performance with the Cincinnati Reds.
- 03Bleday batted .301 with a 1.018 OPS in May, demonstrating significant improvement since leaving the A's.
- 04The A's have seen contributions from players like Henry Bolte and Tyler Soderstrom, but lack a standout bat in the lineup.
- 05Bleday's departure from the A's raises questions about the team's decision to designate him for assignment.
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In the latest MLB awards, Oakland Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz was named the American League Player of the Month for May, achieving a .333 batting average, a 1.025 OPS, and hitting five home runs. This marks Kurtz's second time winning the award, having previously claimed it in July of the prior year. Meanwhile, former A's outfielder JJ Bleday, who was designated for assignment by Oakland, earned the National League Player of the Month title while playing for the Cincinnati Reds. Bleday had an impressive month, finishing with a .301 batting average and a 1.018 OPS. His performance has been pivotal for the Reds, who currently sit at 31-29 in the competitive NL Central division. The A's have made strides with players like Henry Bolte and Tyler Soderstrom, but the absence of a strong middle-order bat is evident, leading to speculation about the decision to let go of Bleday, who could have filled that role effectively.
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The performances of Kurtz and Bleday highlight the A's current struggles to find consistent offensive production.
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