The numbers jump off the page on Jason Flores’ scouting report.
92-96.
Miles per hour, that is, on a fastball that was arguably the best anyone saw at the most recent New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series National Combine in Nashville.
Add a slider and changeup into the mix, and you’ve got yourself an easy, easy invite to the upcoming Main Event, set for September 29-October 1.
But, here’s the thing. He’s also a legitimate presence on the left side of the infield as a bat, with that same scouting report saying that if he does get to college — he’s currently uncommitted — that he’ll be a “legit two-way guy.”
It’s the kind of total package that jumps off the page when it’s that good on both sides, and it’s one that he’s been excited to showcase with the Future Stars Series thus far.
“My experience with Future Stars has been amazing,” Flores said. “I had only dreamed about playing in these big combine and showcases. The staff at Future Stars from Mr. (Jeremy) Booth (FSS CEO and president) all the way down I am very thankful and grateful for, they have given me the opportunity of a lifetime that I will never forget.”
Jason Flores, RHP/INF (2024) – Naaman Forest HS
A power arm who dominated at the National Combine. Watch him in action at the Main Event 9/29-10/1. @JPF2481
Event Videos ➡️ https://t.co/ZO6NALCIBP@NB_Baseball @fss_texas #WeGotNow pic.twitter.com/FGrhrW6RND
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A Texas native who is set to play on the left side of the infield as well as pitch as the Game 3 starter in Hartford for the Orange Team, Flores says he’s been putting in significant work to the latter part of that equation since leaving Shelby Park.
“I have been working a lot with my pitching coach, Gabriel Alfaro out of 7AR Clubhouse in Fate, Texas, on every aspect of the pitching game,” he said. “We have been working on my scaps and building muscle, conditioning and pitch location. He’s been trying to get my body ready so when I do have to go out and pitch seven-nine innings, my body can handle it easily.”
For now, it’ll likely be healthy mix of hitting at Fenway and pitching at Dunkin Donuts Park for the weekend, and Flores is excited for the opportunity at both stadiums, but as you’d expect, particularly in the long-time home of the Boston Red Sox.
“I couldn’t be anymore thankful and grateful for the opportunity like a dream come true one of the most historic ballparks, I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better ballpark to ever get to play in,” he said. “I think just playing on the same field as so many of the greatest ballplayers to ever play the game is the most exciting part, (and I) will definitely savor every second of it.”
Currently ranked at No. 107 in FSS Plus Analyst Joe Doyle’s Top 300 prospects list for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft, Flores is still relatively new to the whirlwind that is the amateur circuit, and he believes that can help him moving forward.
“I have a fresh arm and I’m only getting started, I intend on having a long career and I have a lot of juice in the tank that I have yet to tap into,” he said. “The product you see on the field today is far from being a finished product. I’m only going to get better faster and stronger, just wait and see…can’t wait to get on that field.”
