QUESTION: What is the New Balance Future Stars Series?
We are NOT a showcase. We are a network of professionals, teaching our beloved game and raising the next generation. It is a key figure in draft operations player analysis, and the only amateur baseball series not run by current Major League Club scouts to have a public-facing advisory board of Major League Baseball executives and coaches.
QUESTION: How does a player get invited to the Future Stars Series?
ANSWER: To receive an invitation to the Future Stars Series (FSS), players can follow several pathways designed to identify and nurture top amateur talent:
⚾ 1. Nomination Process
Players, coaches, or scouts can submit a nomination through the official FSS “Nominate a player” page. Upon submission, the FSS scouting department reviews the information and, if the player meets the criteria, extends an invitation to participate in a Regional Combine.
🧢 2. Participation in Partner Program Scout Days
FSS collaborates with various Partner Programs that host exclusive Scout Day events. During these events, players undergo evaluations conducted by our professional scouts, resulting in comprehensive scouting reports. Outstanding performers may bypass Regional Combines and receive direct invitations to National or Underclass Combines.
📍 3. Attendance at Regional Combines
Regional Combines serve as a critical step in the FSS selection process. These invitation-only events offer players MLB-level scouting reports, video analysis, and on-site development by FSS National Staff, including former Major League players and coaches. Performance at these combines can lead to invitations to signature events such as the Main Event, Underclass Elite, Underclass Premier, or Fresh 50.
🎓 4. Advancement to National and Underclass Combines
Top performers from Regional Combines or Partner Scout Days may be invited to the National Combine or Underclass Combine. These events feature advanced evaluations, including cognitive testing and gameplay, and are pivotal in the selection process for FSS Signature Events.
🏟️ 5. Selection for Signature Events
Exceptional players identified from the National and Underclass Combines may be selected for the prestigious FSS Signature Events, such as:
- Main Event: Held at Major League stadiums and featuring top high school juniors and seniors.
- Underclass Elite: Showcasing rising juniors.
Underclass Premier: Featuring rising sophomores. - Fresh 50: Highlighting rising freshmen.
Roster selections for the Underclass Elite and Main Event are announced during a FSS Live Selection Show, providing national exposure to the chosen athletes.
QUESTION: If I participated in an event the previous year and was invited to advance, will I automatically be considered to advance again this year?
ANSWER: No. Every player, each year, must start fresh and enter at the Regional Combine Level to be evaluated by our scouts for an invite to advance in the Series. A player must demonstrate the necessary tools and talent to be invited to advance. Our scouts have had long careers in MLB, and their reputations and integrity back each player selected.
QUESTION: Who are the professionals working behind the scenes and with the players?
ANSWER: Please visit our “staff page” for a list of professional scouts, player development athletes, and baseball executives who are involved in player identification, development, and selection for the Future Stars Series.
QUESTION: I have registered for a Regional Combine. When will I receive the schedule for this event?
ANSWER: The roster and schedules go out only a day or two before each event. This is in case of any last-minute changes to avoid confusion with multiple email notifications.
QUESTION: What time does the National or Underclass Combine end on the last day, so I can make travel plans?
ANSWER: We cannot predict any unforeseen delays. Usually, it’s safe to plan travel after 5 pm on the last day of the combine.
QUESTION: What if my son has a bad day at the Regional Combine?
ANSWER: Our scouts spot talent and tools — things they can cultivate in each player. These players are not a finished product and aren’t expected to be. An athlete’s career is always improving, always striving, always pushing forward, even at the highest level. We look at the whole athlete and the attitude of the athlete toward diversity. The athletes who are successful all put in the work and have the same drive, even on a bad day. This is real baseball, folks, and if you are meant to be here, we won’t miss it.
QUESTION: Are there any Future Stars Series FSS Alums that have progressed to MLB Organizations?
ANSWER: Yes! As of 2025, the New Balance Future Stars Series (FSS) has seen over 200 alumni selected in the MLB Draft, signed as international free agents, with a much higher number advancing to college as well as professional baseball careers.
Here are some notable FSS Alumni players:
Michael Brooks – University of Kansas
Brooks is a two-time alum of the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series International Week (Main Event), participating in both 2018 and 2019. He has continued to develop as a legitimate prospect, showcasing a well-rounded game at the University of Kansas.
Zac Veen – Colorado Rockies
Veen, a standout outfielder, participated in the 2019 Future Stars Series International Week (Main event), where he showcased his exceptional talent. His performance in FSS events highlighted his advanced approach at the plate and defensive prowess.
Veen was selected 9th overall by the Colorado Rockies in the 2020 MLB Draft. As of April 2025, he was called up to make his MLB debut at Coors Field against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Dylan Crews – Washington Nationals
Crews, another distinguished FSS alumnus, participated in the 2019 International Week (Main Event), where he demonstrated his elite hitting skills and athleticism. He was selected second overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Crews made his MLB debut on August 26, 2024, and quickly made an impact with his offensive production and defensive capabilities. He is considered a foundational player for the Nationals’ rebuilding efforts.
Ricky Tiedemann – Toronto Blue Jays
Tiedemann is a left-handed pitcher and FSS alum who has become the top pitching prospect for the Toronto Blue Jays. His development has been noteworthy, and he continues to rise through the ranks.
Tommy Troy –Arizona Diamondbacks
Troy, an FSS alum, was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the MLB Draft. He has shown promise and continues to develop within the organization.
Glenallen Hill Jr. –Arizona Diamondbacks
Hill Jr., also known as GJ Hill, is a 2018 International Week (Main Event) alum of the FSS. He has continued his baseball journey, building upon the foundation set during his time with the Future Stars Series.
Hill is currently playing within the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He has been progressing through their minor league system as he continues to develop his career in professional baseball.
Brock Jones – Tampa Bay Rays
Jones plays in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He was selected by the Rays in the 2nd round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Stanford University.
Jones is an outfielder known for his speed, athleticism, and power potential. He’s been progressing through the Rays’ minor league system and was selected to participate in the 2024 MLB All-Star Futures Game.
Petey Halpin – Cleveland Guardians
Halpin participated in the 2019 FSS International Week (Main Event) at Fenway Park. He has advanced through the Cleveland Guardians’ minor league system and made his Triple-A debut with the Columbus Clippers in 2025.
Braden Montgomery – Boston Red Sox
Montgomery is a notable FSS alumnus, having participated in the 2020 National Combine and International Week (Main Event). He was drafted 12th overall by the Boston Red Sox in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Cooper Pratt – Milwaukee Brewers
Pratt, a standout at FSS events, was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers. He has been recognized for his performance and potential within the organization.
Silas Ardoin – Baltimore Orioles
Ardoin, son of former MLB player Danny Ardoin, is an FSS alum who hit his first professional home run in April 2023. He continues to develop as a catcher within the Baltimore Orioles organization.
Henry Bolte – Oakland Athletics
Bolte showcased his talents at FSS events in 2021, including the National Combine. He was drafted 56th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2022 MLB Draft and has been progressing through their minor league system.
Cameron Collier – Cincinnati Reds
Selected No. 18 overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Collier participated in multiple FSS events, including the 2021 Main Event, 2020 International Week (Main Event), and 2021 National Combine.
Tink Hence – St. Louis Cardinals
Hence, a right-handed pitcher, is an FSS alum who has been making strides within the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He is recognized for his pitching prowess and is considered a promising prospect.
Marco Raya – Minnesota Twins
Raya was drafted by the Minnesota Twins and has emerged as one of their top pitching prospects. He continues to impress with his performances in the minor leagues.
Adam Macko – Toronto Blue Jays
Macko, a left-handed pitcher and FSS alum, has taken a unique path to professional baseball. He is currently a part of the Toronto Blue Jays organization, finding success at the Double-A level.
Grayson Rodriguez – Baltimore Orioles
Rodriguez participated in FSS events during his amateur career. He made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles and is regarded as one of their top pitching prospects.
Bo Naylor – Cleveland Guardians
Naylor, an FSS alum, is a catcher for the Cleveland Guardians. He has made significant strides in his professional career and is considered a key player for the organization.
Dasan Brown – Toronto Blue Jays
Brown, a Canadian native and FSS alum, has been making waves in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He continues to develop as an outfielder with notable performances.
Kyren Paris – Los Angeles Angels
Paris took part in the 2018 FSS International Week (Main Event). He was drafted 55th overall by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2019 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut on September 1, 2023.
Drew Gilbert – New York Mets
Gilbert is an FSS alumnus who was drafted 28th overall by the Houston Astros in the 2022 MLB Draft. He was later traded to the New York Mets as part of a deal involving pitcher Justin Verlander.
Mick Abel – Philadelphia Phillies
A first-round pick in 2020, Abel is regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He credits his early development to experiences with FSS, including participation in International Week (Main Event) events.
Derrick “DJ” Layton – Baltimore Orioles
Layton is a shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles organization. He was drafted by the Orioles in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft, with the 189th overall pick. Layton is currently assigned to the Florida Complex League (FCL) Orioles Black team.
Robby Snelling – San Diego Padres
A left-handed pitcher from Robert McQueen High School in Nevada, Snelling is advancing through the Padres’ farm system.
