Certified fresh.
Our annual signature event for our youngest group is once again a go, and this year, it’s headed to Dudy Noble Field at Mississippi State University as we get set for another memorable Fresh 50. Ever since its inception in 2022, it’s been a staple for our incoming freshman group to showcase their talents on a big stage; that first year alone, we had Trey Rangel, Brayden Jaksa, Devyn Downs among others at The University of Arizona.
This year? You want to know about who’s playing this year? Here are a few players to keep an eye on after we revealed the rosters for the 2030 grads in an unveiling across all social media platforms.
Jake McFarlane, C/2B; Team Red
One of a large Canadian contingent expected to be in Starkville in September, McFarlane is a Fresh 50 returnee who has made significant strides since we saw him then. He put together a huge Underclass Combine in Houston, throwing out multiple runners and getting on base multiple times with the bat. Our scouts believe he has the “skills and projectable tools to develop into an everyday catcher in college,” and as his still-smaller frame continues to develop, there would seem to be room for more.
Rylan Pokluda, 3B/RHP; Red
We saw the Texas native for a second consecutive summer at an Underclass Combine, and some big jumps were evident for the two-way standout. Scouts liked it better in the field for now, sticking some future 60’s on barrel control, approach and accuracy with the arm. Scouts like the “good, lean young projectable frame” here and he’ll certainly be one to watch once we get going in Mississippi.
Brantley Rogers, SS/3B; Red
After we first saw him at a Regional Qualifier in Mississippi, Rogers made an immediate impact this summer at our Underclass Combine. He showed range and arm strength at shortstop that are above his years, and impressed with some strength to the opposite field with the bat as well in Houston.
Parker Staniford RHP/CF; Red
Staniford, who we first saw at Instructs late last winter, was one of the standouts of the Underclass Combine this year, with some impact on both sides of the ball. A Louisiana native, he brings a six-foot-one, 175-pound frame that’s already got some athleticism to spare and brings a fluid stroke at the plate. Scouts see “a chance for two-way value” here and like that there’s some ceiling left to project here.
Matteo Boccinfuso, 3B/1B; Team Navy
Boccinfuso dazzled when we last saw him up north at our Durham Stallions Scout Day this spring, showing significant gains in strength and agility. A returnee to the Fresh 50, our scouts see a path to D1 baseball here for the corner infielder thanks to a “strong compact frame” and hands that show “speed and strength.”
Luc Turgeon, RHP/RF; Navy
The reigning Most Outstanding Pitcher at the Fresh 50, Turgeon is back, this time at Mississippi State to try to turn up the heat even further. Already touching 88 miles per hour on the mound, that’s likely where the future lies for the Canadian-born righty with our scouts projecting him as an MLB Draft prospect as a pitcher.
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Since 2003, he has six 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, 13 Stanley Cup Finals, the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NBA Playoffs, the NCAA D1 Men's Basketball Tournament, 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 and motorsports fan, 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.
- Fresh 50 rosters complete week of signature September reveals - August 14, 2026
- 2026 Underclass Premier rosters revealed as part of September signature week - August 12, 2026
- 2026 Underclass Elite rosters set for Mississippi State showdown - August 10, 2026
