Interview with Max Hartman: WSU Star Outfielder Set to be MLB’s Next Steal?

Max Hartman is a name that baseball fans, scouts, and analysts alike are beginning to recognize with excitement. The star outfielder for Washington State University (WSU) Cougars just wrapped up a standout junior season, leading the team with an impressive .363 batting average and a .956 OPS (2nd on team). With nine doubles, five home runs, 29 RBIs, and a near-perfect record on the base-paths (seven stolen bases out of eight attempts), Max is firmly on the radar as a top MLB draft prospect out of Washington State.

In this comprehensive profile, we dive deep into Max’s journey—from his multi-sport upbringing in Canada, his transition to American college baseball, the nuances of summer leagues, to his aspirations for the MLB draft. Along the way, we explore his playing style, personal influences, and the unique balance he maintains between athletics and academics, all while preparing for what could be the biggest summer of his life.

From Alberta to the Palouse: The Early Years of Max Hartman

Max Hartman’s story begins in Canada, where he grew up in Alberta playing a variety of sports. Alongside his brother, Max was introduced to soccer, hockey, and baseball at a very young age. Hockey was particularly significant in his early years; he played competitively until age 15 before deciding to focus more seriously on baseball. This decision was partly driven by the year-round commitment hockey demanded, which clashed with his baseball ambitions.

In addition to baseball and hockey, Max also played volleyball throughout high school, which he credits for keeping him athletic and agile during the baseball off-season. He even played on his school’s senior basketball team from grades 7 to 9, showcasing his versatile athleticism.

While hockey and baseball might seem worlds apart, Max believes that hockey helped him develop key physical traits such as wrist and grip strength, balance, and overall athleticism—qualities that translate well to baseball. However, he modestly admits he can’t pinpoint exactly how hockey influenced his swing mechanics.

Growing up in Canada, Max was a fan of both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, with his first MLB game experience coming as a Dodgers fan. He fondly remembers the Jays’ playoff runs, especially the memorable era featuring José Bautista. Though his hometown of St. Albert is far from Toronto, Max had the opportunity to attend a few Blue Jays games, including one at the iconic Rogers Centre during a Top 150 Canadian players event.

Traveling the Baseball Landscape: Canadian Off-Seasons and Summer Leagues

Baseball in Canada comes with unique challenges, especially due to the long winters and limited outdoor playing time. Max’s off-seasons often involved travel to warmer climates such as Florida to participate in PG tournaments and training camps. To maintain his skills during the harsh Canadian winters, his travel team had access to an indoor fieldhouse where they could practice live batting and keep their timing sharp.

Unlike the United States, high school baseball in Canada isn’t a significant part of the development pathway. Max explained that his high school team was not very competitive, so his real baseball experience came from playing on travel teams and academies like the Okotoks Dawgs. These teams would travel extensively, including trips down the West Coast of the U.S., playing college and junior college teams to gain valuable experience.

Choosing Washington State: Finding the Right Fit

Max’s recruiting process included interest from schools like Illinois State and Pittsburgh, but Washington State University felt like the right fit for both baseball and lifestyle reasons. Having family ties to the outdoors—his family owns a farm in Saskatchewan and his uncle has a ranch near Okotoks—Max was drawn to WSU’s proximity to nature and the Palouse’s rural charm.

He appreciated the community feel and the type of teammate environment at WSU, which aligned with his personality and playing style. The university’s approach to baseball and academics, particularly its engineering program, also helped seal the deal.

Adapting and Growing: From Freshman Bench Player to Leadoff Star

Max’s freshman year was a period of adjustment. He joined WSU late due to commitments with the Alberta team in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) Junior National Team and didn’t get many opportunities to play initially. Transitioning to metal bats and college-level pitching required time and patience.

However, a pivotal coaching change before his sophomore year reignited Max’s trajectory. The new coaching staff, led by coach Ch, saw Max’s potential and encouraged him to compete for playing time. Max embraced the challenge, competing fiercely for a starting role and ultimately earning the leadoff spot on a team with many experienced upperclassmen.

He described the early games of his sophomore season as thrilling and somewhat surreal, often texting his parents in disbelief that he was hitting leadoff and starting regularly. Max’s sophomore stats—.286 batting average with 17 multi-hit games and 10 multi-RBI games—showcased his ability to contribute consistently.

Playing Style and Comparisons: The Dynamic Outfielder

Max is known for his competitiveness and versatility. Whether it’s laying down a bunt, making a diving catch in the outfield, or stealing bases, he’s willing to do whatever helps the team win. His defensive prowess earned him the nickname “Air Canada” during the WBC for his spectacular diving plays.

On the base-paths, Max enjoys running with the green light, which has paid off with a strong stolen base success rate. Offensively, he has grown comfortable in the leadoff role, balancing patience and aggression to set the table for his teammates.

In terms of player comparisons, Max has drawn parallels to Jarren Duran for his dynamic athleticism and two-way impact, as well as Brandon Nimmo for his smooth swing mechanics. These comparisons highlight Max’s potential to be a well-rounded contributor at the next level.

Summer Ball Experience: West Coast League and MLB Draft League

Max’s summer ball journey has included stints in the West Coast League (WCL) and now the MLB Draft League. He spent two seasons in the WCL, playing for teams like the Bellingham Bells. The WCL exposed him to top-tier competition, including future MLB stars like Tarik Skubal, and involved extensive travel across the Pacific Northwest and Canada.

Max particularly enjoyed playing in Victoria, BC, appreciating the city’s vibe and the opportunity to bond with teammates. While bus rides and travel were challenging, the experience was invaluable for his development.

This year, Max transitioned to the MLB Draft League, playing for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in Ohio. The Draft League offers heightened exposure to MLB scouts, as every game typically has scouts in attendance evaluating prospects. Max’s agent advised the move to maximize his visibility ahead of the 2025 MLB Draft.

Representing Canada: The Junior National Team Experience

One of Max’s proudest moments came when he received a surprise call from Greg Hamilton, the coach of Canada’s Junior National Team. Initially skeptical, Max soon embraced the opportunity to represent his country in the World Baseball Classic’s junior tournament.

Competing against international teams like Brazil, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the USA, Max gained invaluable experience on big stages. Although the team didn’t advance far, the chance to wear the Canadian jersey and play in professional facilities was unforgettable.

Teammates included notable prospects like Miles Naylor and Sam Shaw, both now in MLB organizations. The experience helped Max grow as a player and cemented his desire to reach the highest levels of the sport.

Balancing Baseball with Academics: Pursuing an Engineering Degree

Beyond the baseball diamond, Max is pursuing an engineering degree at WSU. Coming from a family of engineers—his father manages infrastructure for a municipality—Max has a clear vision for his post-baseball career.

He credits his strong math and science skills for choosing engineering and values the balance of outdoor work and office responsibilities his father’s career offers. Max plans to follow a similar path once his playing days are over.

Managing the demands of Division I baseball alongside a challenging academic program requires discipline and time management. Max emphasizes the importance of staying focused on both fronts, ensuring he earns a meaningful degree while maximizing his athletic potential.

Approach to Analytics and Preparation

While Max appreciates modern baseball analytics like exit velocity and launch angle, he prefers a more traditional approach when it comes to pitcher scouting and game preparation. He relies heavily on his eyes and in-game observations to adjust his approach rather than diving deep into spin rates or advanced metrics.

This mindset reflects his competitive nature and confidence in his instincts, especially as a leadoff hitter who needs to quickly assess pitchers and adapt accordingly.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 MLB Draft and Beyond

With the 2025 MLB Draft on the horizon, Max is laser-focused on showcasing his talents. Playing in the MLB Draft League offers him prime exposure, and he remains optimistic about his chances of being selected.

Standing at about 6'3" and 200 pounds, Max combines size, athleticism, and a smooth swing that scouts find appealing. He’s excited about the opportunity to take the next step in his baseball career and is grateful for the support of his family and coaches.

Whether he hears his name called in July or continues to develop his game, Max Hartman has already established himself as a player to watch—a dynamic outfielder with the tools, work ethic, and mindset to thrive at the professional level.

Final Thoughts

Max Hartman’s journey from Alberta multi-sport athlete to Washington State’s leading outfielder is a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and love for the game. His story is one of steady progression, seizing opportunities, and balancing the rigors of collegiate athletics with academic ambitions.

As he prepares for the MLB Draft and continues to make an impact in the Draft League, Max embodies the qualities teams seek in a prospect: talent, versatility, and a team-first attitude. Keep an eye on this rising star as he aims to become the next MLB draft pick out of Washington State.

Stay tuned for updates on Max’s journey and other exciting prospects by following baseball coverage dedicated to uncovering the game’s next generation of stars.