I’ve sat on this recap longer than usual because it hasn’t been an easy one to write. No matter how I finish, the moment I hit publish, I’ll think, ‘man, I should’ve added that player.’ That’s how deep and talented this group is.
The 2025 New Balance Future Stars Series Fresh 50 was electric. Paired with the Underclass Premier, the Fresh 50 brought together mostly 2029 players, with some 2030s sprinkled in, while the Premier featured 2028 players. Combined, it created one of the most competitive and exciting weekends we’ve ever had
In all the years we’ve run the Fresh 50, this group sits at the top of the conversation. It’s comparable — if not stronger — than the 2022 class that included Brayden Jaksa, Manny Dorantes, Karson Trichel, and Texas Longhorns commit Trey Rangel, when we gathered at the University of Arizona.
This group is special. They were fun to be around, fully bought in, and the energy never dipped. The culture was outstanding. The diversity of backgrounds and heritages only added to the mix, and the personalities balanced each other out.
Jeter Diaz, the life of the room, who lit up every moment, and players like John Tedesco, the quiet assassin who just went about his business and competed. You had returners who had taken big steps forward, like Hendrix Pope, who looked every bit the Ryan Howard comp that’s been whispered. And everywhere you looked, someone was doing something to make you stop and take notice.
From a scouting standpoint, this was a can’t-miss event. Thanks to our partners at Synergy Sports and TrackMan, nobody will. The video, data, and breakdowns are all there. But the eye test alone was enough: this was a group to remember.
Award Winners
• Most Valuable Player: Justin Monterosso
• Most Outstanding Pitcher: Luc Turgeon
• Most Outstanding Hitter: Jonah Gregg
These three separated themselves, but let’s be clear –there were at least 10–12 others who could’ve walked away with the hardware based strictly on performance.
ASHMORE: The Award Winners
Power Arms
• Westin Merritt, RHP — Markham District HS (Ont.), Durham Stallions
A little rusty, but the fastball, delivery, and arm strength scream upside.
• Christopher DesLauriers, RHP/3B — Pickering HS (Ont.), Durham Stallions
Showed strike zone feel with the ability to reach back for more velocity.
• Luc Turgeon, RHP — Erin District HS (Ont.), Durham Stallions
Maybe the best pure stuff of anyone we saw at any event this year.
• Ramon Roa, OF/RHP — TXNLA Academy (Fla.), SBA Bolts National
Big arm from the outfield, mound potential still coming.
• John Tedesco, LHP — Claremore High School (Okla.), Sandlot Tulsa
Projection lefty who could be touching 95 by senior year with his delivery and frame.
Natural Defenders
• Jordan Hudson Antonio, SS/2B — Freeman El HS (TX)
Handles the middle with ease.
• Jett Pratt, SS/C — Magnolia High School (Miss.), BPA
Sure-handed, executes.
• Jacob Ramirez, SS/C — Santa Fe High School (NM), B9
True ball hawk—the ball always finds him.
• Easton Wilkinson, CF/LHP — St. Joseph’s Catholic HS (Ont.), Durham Stallions
Covers serious ground. Instincts match his bat-to-ball skills.
• Brett Carter, CF/RHP — Midway High School (TX), East Coast Grays
Outstanding reads and jumps, natural outfield defender.
Natural Hitters
This was maybe the deepest group of hitters we’ve ever had at this stage. Standouts included.
Matteo Boccinfuso, Ramon Roa, Jonah Gregg, Easton Wilkinson, Austin DeGonzague, Justin Monterosso, Brett Carter, Hunter Hampton, Grady Bledsoe, Jett Pratt, Ryan Rodriguez, Jhariel Dejesus, Hendrix Pope, and Fletcher Wells.
Each showed advanced feel for the barrel, the ability to adjust, and instincts beyond their years. By Day 3, the games weren’t just competitive — they were entertaining. That’s not something you can usually say about baseball from this age group.
The Bigger Picture
We just came off similar events in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, and this weekend stood shoulder-to-shoulder with those. The execution, upside, and pure enjoyment of the game were all there.
And like I said at the start, no matter how many names I list, someone deserving will be left out. That’s how good this group was. If you weren’t there, I feel for you. If you watch it back on Synergy, you’ll see it: a group of true baseball players, with tools, instincts, and upside that can impact the game in any direction.
What a weekend.
- BOOTH: Scouting the Underclass Premier - September 19, 2025
- BOOTH: Scouting the Fresh 50 - September 19, 2025
- BOOTH: 6 Standouts at USA Baseball 40-Man Trials - August 24, 2025
