Jax Van Valkenburg’s resume with the New Balance Baseball Future Stars is both a lengthy and impressive one.
He added to it in a big way at the 2026 Caribbean Classic presented by DraftLine.
The Arizona State University commit was one of just two catchers named to the post-event All-Tournament Team, and it wasn’t a particularly difficult decision. The switch-hitting 2027 grad handled a loaded pitching staff well behind the dish, and performed in-game at the plate as well, producing multiple hits to help lead his United States team to their third consecutive title belt.
A captain of one of the teams at our Underclass Elite and product of the Tulsa-based Sandlot program, the high-character six-foot, 215-pounder has a lengthy history with the FSS, dating back to a 2023 Scout Day. Since then, he’s been a consistent presence and performer at every signature event he’s been eligible for, and that he was invited to the Dominican as a ’27 should speak volumes to the status he’s earned here.
Our scouts believe Van Valkenburg has considerable upside and brings a “high baseball IQ,” “high rev motor,” and he “acts like a catcher should.”
Check out his workout video from the Dominican Republic below, and make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel for more highlights, as well as a decade’s worth of footage from some of the top amateur talent on the planet.
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.
Connect with New Balance Future Stars Series by visiting our website, www.futurestarsseries.com, by visiting our YouTube page, and by checking out the social media channels below.
X: @ftrstarsseries | Instagram: @futurestarsseries | Facebook: New Balance Future Stars Series
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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