As the 2026 MLB Draft draws closer and closer, it’s time to spotlight some of our more prominent players from the 2026 grad class, with the focus being on our Main Event standouts from this past October in Frisco and Arlington.
JAYLEN WALKER || PEARLAND, TEXAS
POSITION: RF/CF
HEIGHT: 6-1
WEIGHT: 208
BATS/THROWS: R/R
COMMITMENT: University of Houston
MLB DRAFT RANKINGS: N/A
Walker was a late addition to the 2025 New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series Main Event presented by DraftLine, but was certainly a good one. An outfielder with a “mature strong athletic build” per our scouting staff — they also noted his “lower half has strength and maturity (and there’s) some upside that still remains physically — he impressed throughout the days at Frisco and Arlington, recording a hit at Globe Life Field in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers.
The University of Houston commit graded out well, with multiple future 50’s and 60’s nearly across the board on his scouting report from the event, including a future 70 on raw power after some impressive displays during BP in a big league park. “Has very good stability while hitting, ball jumps off his bat,” his report reads in part, with a “chance for five average to plus tools with the right makeup as his game and skills evolve.”
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.
X: @ftrstarsseries | Instagram: @futurestarsseries | Facebook: New Balance Future Stars Series
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.
