It certainly wouldn’t be to the surprise of anyone if, around this time next year, you started seeing Joseph Rutledge II’s name as a “sleeper” for what would be the-then upcoming 2027 MLB Draft.
He’s no sleeper here. Firmly on the radar with the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series, it’s been a simply meteoric rise for the 17-year-old South Carolina-based outfielder, one who earned yet another accolade with his deserving appearance on the 2026 Caribbean Classic presented by DraftLine’s All-Tournament Team back in January.
Rutledge first burst onto the scene with his appearance at the Charlotte Regional Combine, which earned him an invite to the Underclass Combine in Houston. From there? A trip to Arlington for his first FSS signature event, the Underclass Elite, where he played so well it got him a trip to the Dominican Republic as one of just a handful of underclass players representing the United States at the return of the Caribbean Classic.
His profile is led by his ability in the outfield and overall athleticism at the moment — he’s a current 60-grade runner with several 6.7 times in the 60-yard dash with us, a 60 fielder and also shows 65 range on the grass — and the five-foot-eleven, 185-pounder currently profiles as a “starting OF in college with a chance to play professionally as his bat keeps developing and coming around” according to our scouting staff.
However, Rutledge has been a consistent performer at the plate whenever we’ve seen him — including a memorable multi-hit showing between Riders Field and Globe Life Park at the Underclass Elite — and there’s still belief in the bat; our scouts currently see him as a “streaky hitter who shows bat speed and hand speed to have impact…when he is synced up and on time the kid can deliver hard line drives especially to the pull side. Will have developing thump in his bat that will come out in streaks when he is on. Can see the hit tool and and usable power both being in the 40 range with the raw power being 50.”
Rutledge earns high marks for his makeup and athletic ability, and will be very, very on the radar this summer when the selection process begins for the Main Event, set for CHS Field and Target Field in September.
Below, see Rutledge barreling the ball in Frisco at the Underclass Elite, and make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel for more Rutledge highlights, as well as a decade’s worth of footage from 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.
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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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