Keeping It Heel
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UNC Baseball: Mac Horvath drafted by Baltimore Orioles

By Nick Delahanty

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 23: Mac Horvath #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the eighth inning during the ACC Baseball Championship at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on May 23, 2023 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 23: Mac Horvath #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the eighth inning during the ACC Baseball Championship at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on May 23, 2023 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) /
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After a career year, the UNC baseball standout has been selected in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft by the Baltimore Orioles organization. 

On day one of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft, UNC baseball standout Mac Horvath was selected by the Baltimore Orioles with the 53rd pick in the second round.

The Rochester, Minnesota native was a vital part of Scott Forbes’ everyday lineup, as he was one of the best players in the entire Atlantic Coast Conference. Among qualifiers, Horvath ranked among the ACC’s leaders in home runs (second), stolen bases (second), runs (fourth), doubles (seventh), slugging percentage (seventh), RBIs (eighth), and OPS (10th).

In the process, Horvath became the first UNC baseball player ever, and the first player in conference history since 1999, to record 20 stolen bases, 20 home runs, and 20 doubles in the same season. He posted career-highs in a staggering 10 offensive categories while also slugging the second-most home runs in a single season in UNC baseball history.

Horvath could’ve been selected as part of last year’s draft but elected to return to North Carolina for his junior season. That decision paid off nicely, as Horvath put together a monster season for the Tar Heels while improving his value and draft stock in the process.

With his selection, Horvath becomes the highest Tar Heel selected since Aaron Sabato was drafted No. 27 overall by the Minnesota Twins in the 2020 MLB Draft.

Although UNC baseball fans would love to see him back in Chapel Hill for another season, it’s likely that Horvath will sign to begin his professional baseball career.

Next. Zac Gallen makes first MLB All-Star Team. dark

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