When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right?
This is Boston, however.
Perhaps it’ll be a little clam chowder for Slade Caldwell.
Considered a top-50 prospect in the upcoming MLB Draft by FSS Plus analyst Joe Doyle, Caldwell was a no-brainer invite to the upcoming New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series Main Event, set for Fenway Park from September 29-October 1.
Not to mention he dazzled at the National Combine in Nashville, running a 6.46 60-yard dash time fresh off the plane from USA Baseball’s Player Development Program, and showing off all five tools for the red team — alongside fellow PDP member Sir Jamison Jones — while drawing physical comparisons to Craig Biggio from the FSS scouting staff, a group that gave him high grades across the board as you’d expect.
“I have enjoyed getting to know the staff, scouts, and great players involved with Future Stars Series,” Caldwell said. “You can tell they are really invested in the development and exposure of baseball players.”
Unfortunately, that will not continue on the field for Caldwell in Beantown. An injury suffered in a return stint with USA Baseball will have him sidelined for the Main Event, but, in a move reminiscent of Mick Abel showing up to Fenway Park in 2019 despite being unable to pitch due to illness, Caldwell will be making the trip anyway to learn as much as he can and soak in the experience that he earned.
“I, unfortunately, have been dealing with a broken fibula I suffered during the USA Baseball trials,” he said. “My focus has been on being more mentally strong for my comeback and learning from other great players- as well and still working upper body and core muscles…I am honored that I was still invited to come after my injury. I can’t wait to see the facility and learn from the players and staff during the event.”
One of the top 2024 prospects in the country, @slade_caldwell, taking BP at the @ftrstarsseries National Combine pic.twitter.com/BxORmkhhgq
— Mike Ashmore (@mashmore98) July 4, 2023
“I could keep writing,” reads his most recent FSS scouting report from Shelby Park, “but its pretty clear he is a guy.”
Caldwell also earned high marks for his character, which is on full display in showing up despite facing recent adversity, as he simply didn’t want to miss a chance to make another impression on the big-league teams who will be lining up to draft the Ole Miss commit next July.
“I want to show them I am dedicated to my development, even if I am unable play due to my injury,” he said.
Since 2003, he has covered multiple World Series and has worked high-profile events ranging from the MLB All-Star Game to the World Baseball Classic. In addition to his role working for the Future Stars Series that he's held since 2017, Ashmore currently serves as the beat writer of the Double-A New York Yankees affiliate, the Somerset Patriots, as well as national hockey writer and New York Jets game day beat reporter for The Trentonian.
A regular contributor to Baseball America, Ashmore has worked seven Super Bowls, 11 Stanley Cup Finals, the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NBA Playoffs, College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Frozen Four, Daytona 500, major UFC events and much more as he approaches 3,200 games covered in his career.
An avid card collector and sim racer, he lives with his wife, Sarah, their son William, and their beloved dog, Bailey, and cat, Smokey.
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