The New Balance Future Stars Series Caribbean Classic gets underway January 16 in the Dominican Republic, and the event’s return lasts four days, pitting rosters from numerous Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as a full U.S. roster.
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In the first iteration of the Classic in 2022, the likes of Cooper Pratt, Raudi Rodriguez, Boston Baro, Zion Rose, Tre Phelps, Luke McNeillie, and Alex Kranzler competed as high school standouts before moving on to pro ball or big-time college baseball.
Thus far, we’ve dug into the following players from this year’s U.S. Roster:
- Jax Van Valkenburg, C/1B
- Tommy Georgelos, OF
- Brody Crane, RHP
- John “JT” Reyna, RHP
- Logan D’Amico, RHP/OF
- Mike Teasley, RHP/OF
- Bradley Anderson, RHP
- Hudson Tuley, LHP/1B
- Jason Phillips, RHP/3B
- Isaac Torres, SS
- Madden Tatum, RHP
Keaton Mathis, a 2026 catcher from Jonesboro, Arkansas, and another product of Valley View High School (Madden Tatum, Slade Caldwell).
Mathis is a right-handed hitter with “balance, rhythm, and timing” with bat speed and good swing mechanics, per the FSS Scouting staff. He has a “quick arm” with projectable accuracy for catching, athleticism for the position, and “shows instincts.”
Has some athletic twitch and shows a fast arm and quickness in his swing…should develop into a pro prospect while in college. Solid skill set with solid game awareness and with some ceiling remaining.
— FSS Scouting Staff
Mathis first hit the NBFSS radar in February of 2024 at the Mississippi Regional Combine. He impressed at the National Combine this past summer, which earned him an invite to the Main Event at Globe Life Field.
Good baseball IQ, plus for a catcher. Upside on both sides of the ball. Hands and feet work well behind the plate. Power on the way, has contact skills now. Lots to like at a premium position.
— FSS Scouting Staff
- Caribbean Classic Player Analysis: John Lindsey III, 1B/C - January 10, 2026
- Caribbean Classic Player Analysis: Trey Barnes, OF - January 6, 2026
- Caribbean Classic Player Analysis: John Dolan, C/IF - January 5, 2026
