Long regarded as one of the top prospects in the state, UTIL/RHP Carter Kutz (Hartford Union, 2025; Nebraska commit) put together yet another impressive prep year. After putting together an exciting two-way performance at the Madison Preseason ID, where he ran his fastball up to 88.8 mph and took a consistent round of BP, the real work started for Kutz. In the spring, he was a key piece for Hartford en route to their Cinderella-like run to the state tournament. Despite losing a tough one to a solid Stevens Point squad, Kutz did all he could to come out on top as he hit for the cycle to cap off his stellar sophomore season. Kutz continued to shine across the summer circuit seemingly everywhere he went, highlighted by a standout showing at the Prep Baseball Future Games this past summer where he shined on both sides of the ball. On the mound, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound right hander worked efficiently against some of the top uncommitted bats in the country. Offensively, his innate bat strength was on display all weekend long too, emphasized by a deep home run to left field off of some high-end velocity. While the spring and summer was impressive for Kutz, his performance at the The Rock Fall Championships was arguably the best we have seen him. Despite the amount of talent that was typically a year older, Kutz was one of the top performers as he continued to show off his offensive skills, smacking a number of extra base hits and a no-doubt home run, too. He was equally impressive on the mound as well, twirling two perfect innings while utilizing a high-80s fastball and a short breaking ball when needed. In the months that followed his standout performance at The Rock, Kutz announced his verbal commitment to Nebraska.

(Prep Baseball Future Games; 7/28/23)

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Kutz to talk about how his recruitment process unfolded and much more.

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Kutz: My experience of the recruiting process was pretty mixed at times. I was always looking for a program I thought I could make a pretty early impact at. I have always wanted to be on the field no matter what and when looking for a college that is my #1 goal - to get on the field. I was also looking for a stable coaching staff that would have my back down the road with a family setting throughout the program and I truly believe Nebraska was the best fit for my circumstances.

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

K: Location for me was always something I could deal with no matter what. I always thought I had wanted to go down south and play with sunny weather 24/7. But as I got down to the real deal and had to make some decisions I didn’t put it into the top things I was looking for. I think it is important of course but I think I chose a place where it felt like home. Nebraska gave me that feeling and it felt a lot like Wisconsin.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

K: My recruiting process started decently early as I was getting looks in eighth grade to freshman year but it picked up heavily this summer and fall. I saw Nebraska at a couple events this year but the first one was down in Georgia for a tournament and they had come to watch me pitch a game. It was a really good game for our whole team as we won that game to get into a bracket. I ended up seeing them at more and more events and I enjoyed seeing them watching me every time.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

K: Nebraska truly felt like home to me the first time I stepped out into Lincoln. Being able to witness a game day like I did really put it into perspective for me. I had an incredible time out there and everyone I met had this sense of pride wearing the N. No matter who it was, every one was repping red out there. It felt so supportive and the coaching staff I was privileged to meet was unbelievable. I feel comfort throughout the program and they have every resource for success out there. I got to see the insides of the program a little bit and after we got home, the only question I could ask myself is how do I not choose Nebraska, an answer never came to me. That is why I chose Nebraska.

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

K: I had Illinois and UCF on my top three as well.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

K: LHP Ryan Brenneke (Oconomowoc, 2025; South Carolina commit) was the toughest pitcher I've ever faced. I got to face him maybe once or twice and I know the first time he struck me out on three pitches. Congratulations to him on his commitment to South Carolina. But yeah his fastball is tough to pick up out of his lefty slot and he mixes well for sure. Definitely a high-end guy and he is a great dude off the field as well.

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

K: If you asked my relatives or family 10 years ago what I wanted to be when I grew up they would all have said a baseball player. I have grown up with baseball. I had first told my dad I wanted to play college ball when I was nine I think. My parents provided me with every opportunity they could have and it truly never would have happened without them. I would say around 11 or 12 is when I thought of myself as a high-end college caliber player. I started at about 13-14 truly starting to hit the weights and take every part of my game seriously and trying to get to the next level.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

K: Don’t get down on the sacrifices you make to be here. You will have to miss homecomings, proms, events with your friends, etc. Do not dwell on it and have fun where you are. If you truly want to play at the next level you have to take every opportunity available. have fun playing the game and always find ways to have fun no matter what. Always be yourself and focus on being coachable.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

K: Hitting for the cycle in the state tournament last year was the best moment I've had in baseball. Being able to represent my town on my chest and perform like that for my team was so much fun. I had dreams as a kid to make it to the state tournament and I finally got the opportunity.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

K: All I am going to say is you’ll want to be there. Last year left a sour taste in our mouth and we’re not close to done. We just started and I don’t think anyone will want to miss this season.

P: How did the Future Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event?

K: The Future Games was incredible this year. There were more scouts than you could ever imagine. It helped me be exposed to a lot of teams from all over the country. So I think it is really good for kids from Wisconsin by exposing us to southern schools. It also helped gave us an idea of what it looks like to play at the highest level under the most amount of pressure and be able to perform.

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

K: I would steal MIF Preston Yaucher’s (Edgewood, 2025; Penn State commit) ability in the field. His natural instincts are fun to watch. He made some great plays in the field and he works so well laterally. He is twitchy to his sides and he can cover the middle very well no matter the circumstances.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

K: I would have to say OF/LHP Charlie McIntyre (Whitefish Bay, 2026). I have seen Charlie around quite a bit and no doubt about it, he’s getting bigger, faster, stronger and is ready for this upcoming season for Whitefish Bay. He has a nice level swing that backspins balls to the outfield and has really high potential on the mound. A nice lefty that can locate where you need him to. He is lengthy too and has a dangerous amount of space to fill out.

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain.

K: Prep Baseball has helped me in so many ways. From write ups at events, to tweets building my socials up and giving content throughout games. I think it is a great thing they do giving exposure to us even up here because every kid needs it at some point. They helped me get my name out there and gauge where I need to be as a player to reach the top.

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