There’s been a lot of great third basemen to put on a Baltimore Orioles uniform – World Series champion Brooks Robinson, current San Diego Padre Manny Machado and early 2000’s stalwart Melvin Mora .
Yesterday, the Orioles added another star third baseman to their already-impressive history at the hot corner, officially signing Tar Heel Baseball standout and 2023 second-round MLB Draft pick Mac Horvath.
Horvath signed his deal for $1.4 million, just below the 53rd overall pick’s $1,582,900 value.
The Diamond Heels’ 2023 season ended in their third game of the Terre Haute Regional, a heart-breaking, 6-5 extra-inning loss to the University of Iowa. Injuries – particularly the one to star center fielder Vance Honeycutt – and inconsistency in the bullpen plagued them in several defeats.
Horvath, a rare power-speed threat, was the shining light for UNC in its up-and-down season. He led Carolina with 24 home runs, 76 RBIs, a .711 slugging percentage and 25 stolen bases. He mashed 73 hits and 21 doubles, finishing second in both categories behind fellow Tar Heel draft pick Tomas Frick.
Officially an Oriole.
Welcome to #Birdland, Mac! pic.twitter.com/LVGlHrO3ZO
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 17, 2023
Horvath spent time at the historic Camden Yards after inking his contract, watching his new team take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a battle of playoff hopefuls. He gave UNC a shoutout in the MASN booth, sharing with the Orioles’ broadcast team that he didn’t know Carolina had a baseball team during his initial recruitment.
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