As the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series gets set for the biggest events of the summer, it’s always important to take a look back at the events that help build the rosters for them.
Recently, we were in Charlotte for a Regional Combine during the first week of June, wrapping up a strong week after an event in Orlando that saw multiple players earn invites to their respective next steps.
This was no different.
Noah Layton
Layton was one of the stars of the show, which certainly comes as no surprise to anyone who’s either seen him or his older brother, Derrick (DJ), who was drafted in the sixth round by the Baltimore Orioles last year after coming through countless Future Stars Series events.
The 2027 OF stunned the crew with a 32 feet-11 inch triple jump number – he actually had to be told not to try to do it again, as he thought he could actually improve on his showing — and showed plus athleticism at every turn, including a smooth stroke from the left side. After a strong showing at last year’s Underclass Premier, he’d be a strong candidate to advance to another signature event through this year’s 2027 class Underclass Combine.
Daniel Eber
You’ll see Eber at this year’s National Combine in Houston, where he figures to contend for the fastest 60 time in athletic testing after putting down an event-best 6.73 on a slower track in Charlotte. This was our first time seeing the 5-9, 195-pound 2026 grad, who also plays rugby with a physical, medium frame that our scouts compared to a Brian Giles-type build. He’s an above average runner who can accelerate with strength, and he’ll be a name to watch from July 21-23 in Houston.
Joseph Rutledge II
Rutledge graded out very well in Charlotte, with our scouts putting multiple 50+ future grades on the 2027 SS/OF. A very intriguing player who may move to second base as his frame continues to mature, Rutledge is a strong, physical and well-proportioned athlete who showed bat speed and strength at the plate, displaying multiple tools throughout the duration of our Regional Combine.
Cooper Kidder
We’ve seen Kidder plenty, including at our Fresh 50 and Underclass Premier signature events, and the 2027 C/3B continues to develop since we first laid eyes on him back in 2023. Kidder brings a positive attitude to the diamond as well as a strong work ethic, but that’s not to say there’s not still work to be done as he continues his path. A 5-9, 176-pound frame still brings some significant strength, and once he’s able to get to his athleticism a little bit more — namely loosening up and allowing his body to work more efficiently — Kidder should see a big jump.
Gabriel Velazquez
Velazquez impressed right out of the gate with his willingness to learn; the last pitcher to throw in Charlotte, and only after he asked the staff if he could, he spent a lot of time with scout Anthony Arango in learning a few things on the mound, integrating them quickly. On the smaller side at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds, Velazquez showed a live arm at shortstop and some fast twitch actions, but likely impressed more on the mound, where he threw strikes with three pitches and sat between 81-84 MPH with his fastball.
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 seven Super Bowls, 11 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 3,200 games covered in his career.
An avid card collector and sim racer, he lives with his wife, Sarah, their son William, and their beloved dog, Bailey, and cat, Smokey.
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