School: Franklin Community High School; Class: Senior
Position: OF; B/T: L/L
Height: 6-1; Weight: 190
Previously Drafted: N/A
College Commitment: Vanderbilt University
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 60 | 50/55 | 60 | 55 | 55 | 60 |
Background: In a deep draft, particularly coming from the collegiate ranks, Max Clark’s athleticism and potential have clearly stood out as he’s being touted as the top prep prospect in 2023. And it’s readily apparent just by glancing at the hardware he’s accrued. A two-sport dynamo, Clark, who has also starred on the gridiron as a game-changing wide receiver, earned not one, not two, but three IndianaGatorade Player of the Year awards, as well as capturing the National Gatorade Player of the Year award as a senior.
During his tenure at Franklin Community High School, Clark earned his first Gatorade award as a sophomore in 2021, batting .450 with six dingers, and 30 RBIs while also tallying a 0.84 ERA with 120 punch outs in only 50 innings of work. A year later, during his second award-winning season, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound lefty mashed .577 with nine homeruns and 32RBIs at the dish, and he continued his dominance on the mound as well (16 IP, 39 K, 0.44 ERA).
Prior to his senior season, the Vanderbilt University commit played on Team USA’s 18U squad and batted .280/.357/.440 during the World Cup.
This season Clark raised the bar even further by hitting .646 with six homeruns, 33 RBIs and 45 runs scored.
Scouting Report: Clark hits every check box needed to be a top prospect: elite, explosivebat speed, plus arm, power, plus hit tool, and he’s projected to not only stay at an up-the-middle position but also provide value there. He hasn’t begun scratching the surface of tapping into his plus power potential. The Grizzly Cub star also showed an incredibly patient approach at the plate throughout his amateur career well, at one point walking 40 times (including 28 international free passes) during his senior season. Lean, but muscular. Twitchy. There’s the potential to develop into a Mike Cameron-type performer with a better hit tool.
Ceiling: 6.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: First Round
