As the summer is quickly drawing closer for the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series, preliminary rosters of registered players are starting to make their way around internally before the selection combines. While registration is still open for invited players, there’s already a strong amount of talent in line to compete for a spot for their signature event.
Here’s a quick look at ten names to watch for the 2027 grad class National Combine, set for July 5-7 at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas.
Collin Thomas
A switch-hitting shortstop out of Georgia Premier Academy, Thomas would seem to be a frontrunner for a spot at Target Field this September. It would complete the signature event grand slam for the Auburn commit, having previously played in the Fresh 50, Underclass Premier and Underclass Elite. Thomas was one of the highest graded players to come out of the latter event last year, projected as a strong “middle of diamond player with switch hit skills.”
Joseph Rutledge II
A recent Coastal Carolina commit, ‘Rut’ is something of an FSS veteran at this point, with appearances at two Regional Combines, an Underclass Combine, the Underclass Elite and Caribbean Classic to his credit. A very athletic outfielder with multiple tools, Rutledge has shown out at our North Carolina events, including the most recent one in February.
Noah Layton
Like Rutledge, Layton is a supremely athletic outfielder with signature event experience out of North Carolina. With a unique profile as a lefty bat, Layton looks to follow in the footsteps of older brother Derrick “D.J.” Layton, who was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles after his time with the FSS. The younger Layton has made appearances at the Underclass Premier in 2024 and Underclass Elite in 2025.
David Bankston
Another star out of the prospect factory that is GPA, Bankston is another FSS staple who has made an impact at every step, earning trips to the last two Underclass signature events in Hartford and Arlington. Scouts love his makeup and ability to play multiple spots, but believe his bat will ultimately determine his path.
Miller Crane
Registered as a catcher, Crane deserves a nod here for what he did at last year’s Underclass Combine, in which he threw an immaculate inning on the mound. Perhaps we might see him in a dual role again as he competes for a spot in Minneapolis at the National Combine.
Preston Ardolino
A Massachusetts standout who we’ve seen at the Underclass Premier and Underclass Elite, Ardolino has the tools to make his case to earn an invite to the Main Event this year.
Jett Urbas
Urbas is a six-foot-three, 205-pound shortstop and third baseman out of Texas who graded out well at his signature event debut this year at the Underclass Elite. He has a “great frame (with) room to add strength” and scouts believe “this could be a different animal come (2026) summer with some hard work.”
Easton Selden
We first saw the Oklahoma-based center fielder and second baseman in Tulsa last summer, and he’s made three appearances since, including a most recent trip to Instructs in late December. Scouts see a lot here, believing that “if (his) speed plays, (he) can profile (as a) second division CF at (the major-league) level.
Grant Hoogland
Hoogland has played at a dozen FSS events now, including the two most recent Underclass signature events in Hartford and Arlington, and brings a lean, athletic build to the table with plenty of hustle and grit that’s been on display here for years now. He’ll certainly be willing to battle his way to Target Field with a big showing in July.
Kaysen Fredieu
Fredieu remains a very intriguing athlete, memorably putting down a 6.76 60 with ease the first time we saw him Tulsa with the Sandlot program last summer. His profile has very much so trended upwards since then, as he was one of the top-graded players at our recent trip there in May. Scouts like ‘Crocs’ and the potential “upside with this guy with improved direction and consistency with the bat.”
About New Balance Future Stars Series
New Balance Future Stars Series 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 listed below.
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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.
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