Horn's MLB draft outlook

Posted on: July 1, 2025 at 16:34:50 CT

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45

Horn drew comparisons to Bubba Chandler as a Georgia high school right-hander/quarterback in 2022, and while evaluators rated Chandler (now the best mound prospect in the Minors) as having more explosive stuff, Horn was a superior athlete, strike thrower and passer. A four-star football recruit, he turned down seven-figure overtures from MLB teams to attend Missouri as a two-sport athlete. He wowed scouts in his college baseball debut in February 2023 but injured his elbow in his second outing and eventually had Tommy John surgery that cost him all of 2024.

Returning to the mound this April following spring football, Horn struck out 14 in 10 2/3 innings while working at 93-95 mph and touching 98 with armside run and sink on his fastball. He hasn't recaptured feel for his slider, though he did show the ability to get chases with his 82-86 mph sweeper. He barely used his mid-80s changeup with fade.

Horn creates quality extension with his 6-foot-4 frame and athletic delivery, providing deception with a low arm slot and release height. He's still refining his control and command after working just 15 innings in three college seasons, but they should become average as he gains more experience. Clubs are trying to weigh his upside versus his lack of track record, and his desire to turn pro in baseball while continuing to compete for Missouri's starting quarterback job complicates matters.