Notice: You are currently viewing a development version of the PerfectGame.org website.
For the live site, please visit www.perfectgame.org
THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 7/21/2019

Carlson cashes in on opportunity

Cory Van Dyke
Photo: Max Carlson (Perfect Game)
HOOVER, Ala. -- Maxwell Carlson made the short walk to the mound, delivered several warm up pitches, and began his outing at the 2019 WWBA 17u Elite Championship, attempting to push Canes National 17u into the semifinals.

A horde of scouts gathered behind the backstop, waiting for Carlson to unleash that low 90’s fastball. Instead, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound righthander deceived everyone with back-to-back changeups to begin the game.



“That was a mistake,” Canes head coach Jeff Petty said with a laugh explaining that his catcher had the wrong pitch card in his wristband.

Mistake or not, it was the beginning of a dominant performance for Carlson as he tossed five shutout innings, scattering two hits and two walks with 10 strikeouts. The Canes defeated East Coast Sox 17u Select 5-0, setting up a chance to take home the title on Sunday.

Carlson’s array of pitches includes a hard fastball that runs in on righties and broke three bats in the first two innings, a fading changeup that may be his most advanced pitch, and a combination of a biting slider and soft curveball. 

“We had to pry the ball out of his hands at the end,” Petty said. “He wanted to keep going. That just talks about his competitiveness and his pitchability. That changeup I feel like is big league ready right now. It’s good. He’s the kind of guy you want on the mound when you’re trying to win a big game.”

It’s clear that Carlson is made for big moments on the bump. That competitiveness is an ode to another Max.

“Professionally, I try to model my game after Max Scherzer,” Carlson said. “I love his intensity and how he throws with intent every single time. Dominates hitters, I love that.”

On Saturday night, the Savage, Minnesota native did exactly that, dominating hitters from start to finish. It was just another example of why Carlson is currently ranked the No. 47 overall player in the 2020 class and why he was selected to compete in the Perfect Game All-American Classic next month in San Diego.

“I try to take after my brother,” Carlson said. “He’s such a hard worker. He wasn’t an All-American, but I try to take after his hard work. Being named as an All-American and having that pay off, that was a really good honor that makes me feel really good about myself.”

That brother isn’t just any ordinary brother. It’s Samuel Carlson, the second round selection by the Seattle Mariners in the 2017 MLB Draft.

Growing up together as two competitive athletes, it wasn’t quite the sibling rivalry that one might expect. 

“When I didn’t have my driver’s license and he did, he’d bring me to workout every day,” Carlson said. “We’d throw together and do arm care together. Everything like that.

“We really didn’t have a sibling rivalry. We built each other up. We helped each other out, we threw together. We did everything together.”

That’s exactly why it’s been so tough for Max to see his brother be hampered by arm injuries since beginning his professional career. As the Mariners pitching prospect recovers from Tommy John surgery, it has finally created some friendly feuding.

“He texted me the other day, and there is a little bit of a rivalry now because he said, ‘We throw the same speed now,’” Carlson said. “He’s bringing it back.”

Sam’s recruiting process allowed Max the opportunity to really walk in his brother’s shoes and see that he could be doing the same one day. Through Sam’s recruiting visits, Max tagged along and began to imagine what the future held for him.

“It all starts with my brother,” Carlson said. “When he started getting recruited, I was like, ‘Wow, I can really do that too if I work hard enough and put in all the work. I can be just like him.’”

It’s why once Carlson finishes his senior season of high school, he’ll be attending North Carolina to play under Mike Fox. The Tar Heels have planted themselves as one of the premier college baseball programs, making the College World Series seven times since 2006.

“Carolina has been my dream school since I was a little kid in fifth grade,” Carlson said. “It started with their basketball team and then my brother started getting recruited and I got into their baseball team. That was it from there. I always wanted to go there.”

That is of course assuming Carlson doesn’t follow the same path as his brother. Sam was committed to Florida before getting drafted and signing his contract out of high school.

It’s a path that Carlson could certainly be headed down, but one that will only be settled with time.

“I don’t really think about it now,” Carlson said. “It’s a little under a year away. We have plenty of time and things can change. You can go up or you can go down. I just try to go out there and have fun, do what I do, and hopefully it works out well for me.”

Carlson is certainly having fun on the field, playing with a loose attitude. That was on display Saturday night where after every inning pitched, one of his teammates would meet him halfway between the mound and the dugout, embracing Carlson with the stuffed animal that he bought the day prior.

“He’s level headed,” Petty said. “His brother played for us. A lot like his brother. He probably learned some things from his brother… He just wants to go out and have fun and compete and win baseball games.”

Equipped with supernatural ability on the field, Carlson is still your typical teenager off the field.

He’s an avid frisbee golfer, noting that he plays pretty much every day when he’s home. He still looks back and laughs at his tee ball picture with the oversized pants and belts. That was the team where he formed some of his best friendships that have survived all these years later. 

His parents, Eric and Monica, played high school sports, but they were never star baseball or softball players. Instead, they have offered the full support of their two sons who have spent the better half of their lives turning heads left and right on the baseball field.

“My parents are just living the dream,” Carlson said. “They love watching both of us.”

Max’s parents may be living their dream, but he’s right in the midst of his own. In fact, that dream nearly reaches full fruition every time he can toe the rubber and do what he does best.

“[Baseball] is just a passion,” Carlson said. “I love the game, love to play it, love to throw baseballs.”
 
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes
Tyler Kotila
Article Image
Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
Article Image
Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
Article Image
James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
Article Image
Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
Article Image
Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
Read More
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2025 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.