Xander Schmitt Named Future Games MVP
August 4, 2022
>> See also MV-Pitcher
EMERSON, Ga. --The moment was never too big for 2024 C/OF Xander Schmitt (Lafayette HS, MO). Even with hundreds of college coaches in attendance to see the nation’s top uncommitted underclassmen (more than 700 of them), there was no hesitation from the young backstop. In fact, Schmitt was flawless at the 2022 PBR Future Games. Over the course of four days, the 5-foot-11, 173-pounder from just outside of St. Louis did nothing but fill the stat sheet and elevate his place in the minds of all the onlooking recruiters. After posting exit velocities close to 100 mph and pop times between 1.88-1.95 to go with a 6.9 60-yard dash, he pushed his stock even higher in games, going 7-for-7 with four doubles, two walks, and five stolen bases.
For that reason, along with the future potential that he holds, Xander Schmitt has been named the 2022 PBR Future Games Most Valuable Player.
C Xander Schmitt (Lafayette, 2024) hammered this ball with authority the other way for a ground-rule double.
— PBR Missouri (@PBRMissouri) July 29, 2022
Easy bat strength with physicality at the plate. #PBRFG22 pic.twitter.com/bYE1S901iV
There were plenty of stellar performances to pick from, but for as good as many of the players and future prospects were, none of them had the pristine week that Schmitt did. Beyond the obvious hitting stats that he put up, his work behind the plate shined brightly including a back pick in one game, but especially in handling the numerous power arms that the Show-Me State rolled out.
“Defensively he’s an athletic catcher with good receiving and blocking skills to go with a strong arm,” Kevin Moulder, PBR Missouri’s scouting director, said. He showed good awareness during the games while handling a talented Missouri pitching staff.”
It all came together for Schmitt under the brightest of lights, but it was hardly luck. His blue-collar mentality and all-around athleticism were on full display throughout the summer at multiple PBR events and tournaments, and the production at the Future Games was merely his preparation meeting an opportunity.
Another loud showing by C Xander Schmitt (@LHS_BaseballSTL, 2024) at the #PBRFG22.
— PBR Missouri (@PBRMissouri) July 28, 2022
Strong 5-foot-11, 173-pound frame. Peaked at 97 mph & 356 feet in BP, averaged 89.3 mph off the barrel.
T79 mph from behind the plate, popping 1.88 on his best bullet. pic.twitter.com/ldGYhe2LUF
Said PBR Illinois and Missouri area scout, Diego Solares,
“Schmitt showed his all-around tools throughout the Future Games, barreling balls up with authority to the pull-side in BP and squaring a few loud doubles up the other way in-game, too, Diego Solares, PBR Illinois and Missouri area scot said. He really runs, has arm strength behind the plate, and was an excellent dugout presence for Team Missouri throughout the week.”
The PBR Future Games can ask for nothing more than a player to come out, seize the opportunity, and strangle the spotlight…and that is exactly what Xander Schmitt did.
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