By Nathan Rode
National Supervisor

For the second time in Prep Baseball Report Future Games history, a Minnesota prospect has been named MVP of the event. SS/RHP Mac Horvath (Rochester Century HS, MN) went 3-for-9 with two doubles, a home run and six RBIs in three games to take home the honor, joining RHP/OF Sam Carlson (Burnsville HS, MN), who won it in 2015. Carlson went on to become a top draft prospect and was selected in the second round by the Seattle Mariners this year.

“I was hoping to have a good week and I was just trying to put together several good days,” Horvath said. “I felt really good coming out of the skills evaluation on Wednesday and I think it carried over to my at-bats on Thursday. There were a lot of great pitchers there and I think guys challenged every batter with their best stuff.  I was just happy I squared some balls up.”

Horvath’s hits all came on the first day of games, but he still stood out the last two days, as even his outs were loud. In his fourth at-bat on Thursday, he drove a ball to deep center field that was turned into an out by an excellent running catch. On Friday, Horvath had the bases loaded when he hammered a ball to left field. It had grand slam written all over, but a stiff wind blowing in turned it into a sacrifice fly.

“I felt that was the best ball I squared up all week,” he said.

Horvath ran a 6.66-second 60-yard dash, had the top infield velocity at 91 mph and recorded a 94 mph exit velocity off the tee. He also got on the mound and had two perfect innings with two strikeouts. His fastball was 88-89, touching 90, with arm-side run. His changeup produced swings and misses with depth and fade at 79. His third pitch was a low-70s slider.

Horvath was already a hot commodity in the recruiting world and his performance only further solidified his status.

“The recruiting process has been busy but fun at the same time,” Horvath said. “It was already hectic, but for the most part it stayed the same. There were a several schools that I talked to for the first time after the event and I appreciate how PBR was able to get so many top schools in one place to watch us.”

Past winners

2016
Dillon Lifrieri, Wilton HS, CT

 

2015
Sam Carlson, Burnsville HS, MN

2014
Duncan Pence, Farragut HS, TN

2013
Nolan Watson, Lawrence North HS, IN

2012
Colby Fitch, Hickman HS, MO

2011
Ryne Roper, Harrisburg, IL

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