The tools have always been there for Trey Barnes.
Athleticism too, really, with a 6-foot-4, 195-pound frame that’s hard to ignore.
The production had been a little inconsistent, however, and that’s not a criticism…it’s a still-developing player who was always giving scouts plenty to dream on. Reality hit during the 2026 New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series Caribbean Classic. And so did he.
Barnes, who had some standout moments during our National Combine but then a mostly quiet Main Event after earning the invite to Globe Life Field, hit a monster home run early in the event and was one of just two players to homer in the Dominican Republic over the course of three days. It was that and his performance the rest of the trip for the victorious United States team that earned him a spot on our All-Tournament Team, but he also firmly established himself as someone to watch heading into the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft.
The Southern Miss commit was first seen by FSS at our Underclass Combine in 2024 and has made strides ever since; he played in last year’s Underclass Elite, and was one of the prestigious Day Four holdovers at our National Combine, an event where he had multiple hits throughout the week. Our scouts believe he’s quite the interesting example of a disparity between ceiling and floor; the latter is “being a 4th/5th OF,” while the former has him as a potential “All-Star OF if he puts it all together.”
“Profiles as an everyday OF where all five tools work,” reads his most recent report. “Very projectable with more size to fill out…65/70 runner who can impact on the bases and in the OF. Has a natural feel for the barrel…plus athletic ability as well as bat speed. 55 defender who can easily turn into an even better defender as he matures and takes the right routes and first steps. Has plus range and great ball skills. This kid is a player and he will one be a special player when it all comes together.”
Also a wide receiver in football with the frame to match, it will be very interesting to see what the future holds for Barnes, a path that should become more clear this summer.
To see one of Barnes’ multiple hits from the National Combine, look below, and make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel to see footage from some of the top prospects on the planet from the past decade.
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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