As we take a look at the next member of the All-Tournament Team from the 2026 New Balance Future Stars Series Caribbean Classic presented by DraftLine, it’s important to take a look at a player who has popped in all three of his FSS appearances.
2026-eligible sign Baldwin Nunez, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound catcher out of Cacon Academy, was one of just two backstops selected to the prestigious group, joined by highly-regarded United States standout Jax Van Valkenburg. Why?
That can be asked in a few different ways when it comes to Nunez.
Why is he still available is a good place to start…and that’s a curious one. Our scouting staff has him projected as a platoon starting big-league catcher as of his most recent scouting report, which came after a standout performance at the World Combine in Orlando back in December. A “plus defender who is well beyond his years behind the dish” per that report, Nunez has several current 60’s and future 65’s on his report…let me say that again.
60 now. Future 65’s. Multiple. Fielding, throwing and accuracy.
So he can’t hit? Defense-first catcher? Not quite. Still only 16 years old, Nunez brings a good, mature approach to the plate with feel for the barrel and earned a future 60 for barrel control to go with a current grade of 55. The defensive skills are likely ahead of the bat, yes, but…he’s not going to hurt you at the dish. Perhaps the criticism here is that he’s a bit undersized, but nothing from his most recent showing in the DR gives any reason to knock any of those scouting numbers down a notch — he even brings some strong athleticism to the position with a 7.2 60 time — and he’ll be a name to watch for any team looking for an absolute steal for their international signings.
Below, take a look at him throwing a runner out at third at our World Combine, and make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a decade’s worth of footage from the top amateur talent, both domestic and international.
About New Balance Future Stars Series
The New Balance Future Stars Series presented by Program 15 is a global platform for amateur baseball development and scouting, powered by a commitment to impact, integrity, and player-focused innovation. Its alumni can be found throughout professional baseball, and its events and partnerships have reshaped how talent is identified, nurtured, and celebrated.
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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 eight Super Bowls, 12 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 3,300 games covered in his career.
An avid trading card enthusiast, he lives with his wife, Sarah, their son, future No. 1 overall draft pick in 2042, William, their beloved dog, Bailey, and occasionally well-behaved cat, Smokey.
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