Archer Horn, a senior at St. Ignatius, has been crowned the Chronicle's Metro baseball player of the year for 2026, capping a season that blended power, speed and precision.
At the plate he posted a .406 batting average, added seven doubles, two triples and six home runs while reaching base at a .576 clip and stealing 16 bases for the second straight year.
Draft Outlook
The performance has placed him among the nation's most coveted prospects, ranking No. 7 among California seniors and No. 20 overall, with MLB.com positioning him at No. 67 among all college and high school players. Scouts project him as a first- or second-round selection in the upcoming MLB draft.
Horn has committed to Stanford, and there is growing speculation that he could join the Cardinal roster as early as next season, adding a compelling narrative to his already rising profile.
Coach's Assessment
St. Ignatius coach Brian Pollzzie describes Horn as "focused, meticulous, detail-oriented, and very competitive," traits that he believes will drive continued improvement and a long, productive career in baseball.
Horn comes from a baseball pedigree; his father, Howard Horn, pitched at Princeton, lending a family legacy that underscores his work ethic and competitive fire.
At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Horn combines size with agility, a combination that has made him a game-changer for the St. Ignatius program and a frequent standout on youth baseball diamonds and camps.
The accolades extend beyond statistics; he earned first-team All-WCAL honors for the fourth time, cementing his status as one of the most decorated players in recent school history.
Looking ahead, Pollzzie expects Horn to keep evolving, suggesting that the next chapter — whether at Stanford or in the professional ranks — could be defined by sustained excellence and impact.