New Balance Future Stars Series has announced its roster for four signature events, covering four-plus classes of amateur baseball players, with the Main Event (2025) being unveiled live on YouTube Thursday night.

Here are the rosters for the four events:

Main Event (’25) | Globe Life Field | Oct. 4-6

Underclass Elite (’26) | Fenway Park | Aug. 30- Sep. 1

Underclass Premier (’27 | Dunkin Park | Sep. 13-15

Fresh 50 (’28-’29) | Dunkin Park | Sep. 13-15

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After battling some injuries in 2023, Romo got back on track both defensively and at the plate in Triple-A Albuquerque this year, setting a career best with an .838 OPS while also establishing new highs with 14 homers and 60 RBI. But we remember his best from his time with the Scorpions in 2019, where he starred on a loaded team at our National Tournaments that also included Dylan Crews, CJ Kayfus and fellow Rockies farmhand Zac Veen.

We caught up with Drew for this exclusive interview towards the end of last season. Below, see some footage of Romo playing with the Future Stars Series back in 2019.

The post Reports: Romo set to become fifth FSS alum to reach majors appeared first on Future Stars Series.

“We continue to build the Mass General Brigham Center for Sports Performance and Research into one of the premiere performance training locations in the country,” said R. Scott Gassett, Vice President of Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine. “We are thrilled to begin this collaboration with the New Balance Future Stars Series to expand our outreach to baseball athletes. The combination of their track record for identifying top amateur prospects with our innovative approaches will enable us to support these outstanding athletes as they pursue their ultimate goals.”

President and CEO of New Balance Future Stars Series, Jeremy Booth, recognizes the opportunity for the game of baseball. “Today is a big day in the baseball community, not just for the Future Stars Series family but for the game itself, Booth said. “We take a huge step forward, one that’s been in progress for a long time, to better understand athlete success and growth. The expertise at Mass General Brigham is world-renowned and second to none. To align on this endeavor, one which includes some of the best franchises across each sport in the history of professional sports is an honor and a privilege. I look forward to what we can do together as we work to impact lives through sports.”

The new collaboration will initially focus on developing a standardized process for assessing skills such as a baseball player’s strength, power, or pitching capabilities and develop a comprehensive strength and conditioning program to address findings from assessments. The Center for Sports Performance and Research team will collect summary data of each athlete to develop an individualized training program specific to the participant’s capabilities and goals.

Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine provides clinical services to the Boston Bruins, New England Patriots, New England Revolution, and Boston College, as well as numerous other college and high school athletic programs throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

To learn more about sports medicine programs and services from Mass General Brigham visit sportsmedicine.massgeneralbrigham.org.

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Mother Nature ultimately forced the postponement of the scheduled testing day on Tuesday, but the tournament itself mostly went off without a hitch, comprised of 12 teams in three separate pools that featured some of the top 2027 and 2028 Draft-eligible players, as well as a handful of younger talent playing up. With the event mostly slated to be played at historic Shelby Park, there were also some pool play games held at Goodpasture Christian Academy, as well as a late adjustment for a return to The Webb School for three contests on Friday when rain delayed the start of games for three hours.

POOL A

BPA 4-0
LB21 3-1
NorCal 1-3
FSS Mid-South 1-3

POOL B

GamePrep 4-0
Sandlot 3-1
Trombly 2028 1-3
Citius 0-4

POOL C

Trombly 4-0
LB21 2028 2-2
Expos 1-3
The Prospect Lab 0-4

Three teams ran the gauntlet in pool play; BPA, Trombly Baseball’s 2027 team and GamePrep all went 4-0 and all earned first round byes, as did a talented Sandlot team that only suffered a one-run loss to GamePrep in pool play early on.

In the end, four teams were left standing on the last day, with LB21 and BPA set to square off for the 2028 Grad Class National Championship, while the FSS Mid-South team — formerly the Sports Academy club, and one that made a stunning run through the playoffs after going 1-3 in pool play — was up against LB21’s other team at the event for the 2027 Grad Class National Championship.

BPA dominated their game at Mickey Hiter Field, getting a complete game shutout from Quincy Pratt, one of two younger brothers of FSS alum Cooper Pratt playing at the event, to take the 2028 title in six innings via run rule. On Old Timers Field, however, a much more competitive game for the title unfolded; FSS Mid-South got off to an early lead and ultimately never looked back against a fiesty LB21 team to take the 2027 title.

Below, find All-Tournament and All-Prospect teams from the event, as selected by the scouting staff present:

Find social media coverage of the event here, with plenty more available on all platforms where FSS can be found.

That’s a 9-6 win for the FSS Mid-South team, who beat a really strong LB21 squad to win the 2027 national championship. pic.twitter.com/ypWkX8jodJ

— New Balance 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (@ftrstarsseries) August 4, 2024

It’s a walk-off win. @BPAtravelball are 2028 grad class tournament national champs. pic.twitter.com/vLbCefipsq

— New Balance 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (@ftrstarsseries) August 4, 2024

Family. @QuincyPratt9 and @JettPratt9 celebrate the win with the trophy. We have a feeling we’ll see them both again. pic.twitter.com/Jjk4U2K0dv

— New Balance 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (@ftrstarsseries) August 4, 2024

This umpiring crew setting the tone for what should be a real good, real competitive game between FSS Mid-South and @LB21baseball for the 2027 title. Here’s a little behind the scenes on what the full plate meeting looks like. pic.twitter.com/jO9SK4XWEY

— New Balance 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (@ftrstarsseries) August 4, 2024

Another familiar face here. @dunnkaleb12 walks it off via run rule with this single to left for @BPAtravelball pic.twitter.com/0OJQAG65Cy

— New Balance 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (@ftrstarsseries) August 3, 2024

It’s getting a little physical here. @tromblybaseball’s 2028 team trying to fight their way back into this one, plating two on a dropped third strike with a late play at the plate to cut it to 7-2. pic.twitter.com/jnZbv6w9Li

— New Balance 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (@ftrstarsseries) August 3, 2024

Another big moment for @jax_van2 in the @Sandlot_Tulsa game, this time driving in another run with an RBI double. pic.twitter.com/7gaulCt0e6

— New Balance 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (@ftrstarsseries) August 2, 2024

Quick thread from the second day of our 2027/2028 grad class National Tournament: pic.twitter.com/nxhmmafnLn

— New Balance 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (@ftrstarsseries) August 3, 2024

It doesn’t seem @ethan_scheel is interested in letting Trombly get back into this one. He hoses a runner for FSS Mid-South. pic.twitter.com/lgpBPhzONE

— New Balance 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (@ftrstarsseries) August 3, 2024

We’re starting to notice some trends here. Another big hit for @tromblybaseball’s Camron Johnson, his second of the day. pic.twitter.com/lpCaXLDU4A

— New Balance 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (@ftrstarsseries) August 2, 2024

The post Recap: 2024 Future Stars Series 2027/2028 Grad Class National Tournaments appeared first on Future Stars Series.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following rankings and evaluations by FSS PLUS are based on subjective analysis and industry sources, and do not influence, are not influenced by, or are affiliated with the opinions and reports of Future Stars Series scouting and development staff.

With the 2024 Draft in the rearview mirror, several high-ceiling prospects have made their way to campus with their eyes set on becoming the no. 1 pick in 2027. Here are 180+ college freshmen to keep an eye on in 2025 and beyond. 

---

1. Charlie Bates, SS -- Stanford
HOMETOWN: Palo Alto, California
HEIGHT: 6-1

WEIGHT: 184

BAT/THROW: L-R

Bates is a smooth operator on the dirt with loose hands, athletic actions and the ability to make every play in all directions. He projects a shortstop moving forward thanks to his fluidity, internal clock, and rhythm that can be tough to find.

Offensively, it's a smooth, left-handed swing with a gap-to-gap approach, some loft and patience, taking the barrel to the zone and going with pitches instead of forcing to his pull-side. That said, when Bates cheats and/or ambushes in batting practice he's shown solid average raw power and he'll get pitchers over the right-field fence. Scouts want to see the body get bigger and stronger as the draft approaches to help ease questions surrounding the direction of the frame. They want to see what the player looks like a bit closer to final physical form. There's projection in the bat as Bates has the lean, wiry body evaluators look for.

Bates was an extremely popular name in the 2024 Draft but went unselected as most Stanford commits do. He'll be a premium name to watch in college baseball over the next three years. 

The post 2027 MLB Draft: College Top Prospects Watchlist appeared first on Future Stars Series.

I unfortunately missed notable Rockies prospects like Chase Dollander, Sean Sullivan, and Cole Carrigg. That being said, there were new and interesting players to grab a look at for all three teams.

Kyle Karros, 3B — Spokane (Rockies)

Karros looks like a ballplayer, with a large, athletic frame. The third baseman was impressive in this look, flashing agility and strong instincts on the dirt.

At the plate, Karros does a great job of hitting it where it’s pitched, with a primarily up-the-middle approach. The feel for contact is strong, and he was able to show off some power with a pair of home runs, neither of them cheap.

Karros was the biggest surprise of this look in Everett. He has big-league tools and is a legit prospect who’s got the look of someone who could potentially lock down a future everyday role.

Lazaro Montes, OF — Everett (Mariners)

Montes is an imposing human being. A large lefty bat with high hands, a large leg kick, and monstrous bat speed, Montes is below-average in a corner outfield spot, and a shift to first base may be inevitable. Though lauded for his power, it’s hasn’t shown up much in games since moving up to High-A.

Montes has struggled as he’s been pounded with fastballs up and in. He’s tried to adjust and cheat inside, but it’s left him out front of secondaries. The swing-and-miss has been prevalent.

Montes doesn’t quite look comfortable in Everett, but he was recently promoted and is still 19. He’ll have to hit, but the bat speed promises a potential major-league slugger, and his production and pedigree speak for itself.

Michael Morales, RHP — Everett

Morales showcases a clean delivery and a good feel for the strike zone. He’s athletic, and there could be more velocity on the way.

Morales will throw the kitchen sink. The fastball sits 90-94 mph, and he’s grabbed 95 mph. His best secondary is a low-80s changeup with late darting life to the arm side and good tunnel. There’s a low-80s sweeper and a slow curve in the mid-70s. He’ll also throw an occasional slider/cutter in the mid-80s.

Morales has yet to establish the fastball’s presence in either start, and his confidence in the pitch might not be there yet. That being said, he can effectively and consistently navigate through lineups and mix up his arsenal. He looks like a future back-end starter with the potential for more if the stuff ticks up. He was just recently promoted to Double-A Arkansas.

Michael Arroyo, 2B — Everett

Arroyo falls under the radar in a very flashy, very young Mariners system flush with hitters, but he shouldn’t. A 19-year-old in High A, Arroyo has had his struggles but hasn’t been swamped so far.

The hit tool and ability to fight in counts flashes. Arroyo crowds the plate a little, so fastballs up and in have been a struggle.

Defensively, Arroyo has a below-average arm, but he’s a strong athlete and runner who makes every play you expect out of a second baseman otherwise.

Tommy Troy — SS, Hillsboro (Diamondbacks)

Recently coming off the injured list, Troy was solid in this look. The results may not pop off the page, he made consistent contact and worked gap-to-gap efficiently, and the contact was often loud.

A plus runner and good athlete, Troy wasn’t challenged much at shortstop, but he made all the plays he was supposed to. The defensive skillset would work well at second or third base if a transition is necessary.

Gino Groover — 3B, Hillsboro

Just coming off the IL alongside Troy, Groover’s a bat whose game is centered around contact. He was aggressive and consistently put the ball in play, though it didn’t result in ideal contact and hits.

Even though the power wasn’t quite there, it was a brief look, he’s a big guy, and coming off a broken wrist, which can hamper power for a while. Groover played third base, but a shift to a corner is feasible.

Alfred Morillo — RHP, Hillsboro

Morillo is a relief prospect who sat mid-90s with his fastball in this look alongside a mid-80s gyro slider. Already grabbing 97 mph with some life, the stuff plays in a big-league bullpen.

Morillo struck out the side in his first outing, but he struggled in his second appearances where the strike-throwing deteriorated.

Roman Angelo — RHP, Hillsboro

Angelo was a starter for Hillsboro who went seven innings despite below-average control.

His stuff jumped off the page, with a fastball up to 97 mph, often in the mod-90s, though the velocity fluctuated. His ability to throw strikes with it was inconsistent, but he got it in the zone enough to overwhelm hitters with pure velocity.

Angelo flashed a horizontal mid-80s changeup and sweeping cutter, though the command of both offerings was below average. The changeup projects as the better offering of the two.

Angelo’s already 24 years old, and his profile is likely set for the bullpen with the big velocity and some effort in his operation. He profiles as a potential seventh-inning type in the big leagues but will need to find more strikes to get there.

The post Prospect notes on Rockies, D-Backs, Mariners, led by Troy, Arroyo, Karros appeared first on Future Stars Series.

Flaherty was the best arm moved before Tuesday’s deadline and is a two-month lease for the Dodgers, who have had a heckuva time keeping arms healthy this season.

Flaherty has been nasty this season, a true career season, and just as he’s set to walk into free agency. In 18 starts, the former St. Louis Cardinals first-round pick has posted elite runs-allowed numbers across the board, including a 2.95 ERA and 2.57 xFIP.

He’s posted a career-high 32% strikeout rate and a career-best 4.6% walk rate, among other high-level results.

Flaherty’s four-seamer sits 92-96 mph and is highly effective in setting up two devastating secondaries in a plus mid-80s slider and 76-80 mph curveball. Both breakers miss bats and he’s commanded his entire arsenal well all season.

He also mixes in a changeup and two-seamer on occasion.

The 28-year-old is set for a big payday following the season, but for now, he’ll join Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone in a rotation in Los Angeles which expects to get Yoshinobu Yamamoto back in August.

Sweeney is a 24-year-old infielder with a chance to stay up the middle (likey second base) but with the power to perhaps profile enough for the hot corner where his athleticism and arm play well.

He’s shown enough hit tool in the minors to project some everyday scenarios, and he’s nearing the big-league-ready phase of his development.

The game power could reach the 18-25 homer range and while there’s some swing-and-miss in his game the left-handed batter also works walks to above-average rates.

The upside here is an average regular infielder with 15-20 stolen bases to go with some pop, and solid-average on-base marks.

Liranzo is the headliner here, one of the top 5 prospects in the Dodgers’ system. He’s a 21-year-old switch-hitting catcher who likely moves to first base, but there’s 70-grade raw power to tap into, and he started doing just that last season in Single-A.

He’s physical with limited athleticism but has OBP skills that project well. He lacks the arm strength to confidently project behind the plate.

The Dodgers set themselves up for a World Series run, like every year, and do it at a fair yet more than affordable cost.

The Tigers did well to load up for next season with near-ready talent, but it feels light considering the market. Perhaps the best sign for Tigers fans is they did not move Tarik Skubal, which never made much sense, anyway.

The Dodgers also traded recently DFA’d lefty Ryan Yarbrough to the Toronto Blue Jays for outfielder Kevin Kiermaier.

TRADE GRADES (20-80 Scale)

Los Angeles: 60
Detroit: 50

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Miami Marlins Receive: Infielder Connor Norby, outfielder Kyle Stowers

Baltimore Orioles Receive: Left-handed starting pitcher Trevor Rogers

Really like this deal for Marlins. Miami really only needs one of Norby or Stowers to develop into a role 5 player for this to make sense. If they both end up plateauing as role 4.5 types as utility and fourth-outfielder types, it’ll still help round the roster into form with more athleticism and floor.

For Baltimore, the hope is the organization can help Rogers rediscover some of his lost velocity and production. He’s largely been a low No. 4/No. 5 starter over the past three seasons. His last real impressive campaign was back in 2021. Rogers is arbitration-eligible following this season and will see his salary take a jump. Because he’s not guaranteed anything Baltimore could always flip him in the next few seasons and walk away from the salary escalations when they see fit.

Seattle Mariners Receive: Right-handed relief pitcher JT Chargois

Miami Marlins Receive: Right-handed starting pitcher Will Schomberg

This is a nice add for the Mariners as Chargois as consistently performed above his peripherals over the last four seasons. He’s been remarkably consistent in limiting hard contact and base hits as a whole. He’ll likely slot in as a low-leverage reliever for Seattle, a team dealing with attrition in their bullpen as the season has progressed. He is making $1.2 million this year and is arbitration-eligible in 2025 for the final time. He’ll likely be due close to $2 million, a number Seattle could elect to walk away from instead of offering him another contract if they so see fit.

Schomberg, 23, was an undrafted free agent signing by the Mariners following the 2023 Draft. He racked up 97 strikeouts for Low-A Modesto in 70.1 innings this season before being promoted to High-A Everett. He has a reliever arm swing with a mid-90s fastball at peak that presents above-average carry to the hitter. He mixes in a frisbee slider that has been tremendously effective against right-handed hitters.

Detroit Tigers Receive: Right-handed pitchers Joseph Montalvo and Chase Lee

Texas Rangers Receive: Left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin

The Texas Rangers refuse to fold. And for good reason. Just six games out of the AL West, it’s a division that has been a rollercoaster ride all summer. Chafin is a nice addition to the backend of the Rangers bullpen, a staff that has wavered of late. He’s posted 50 punchouts in just 37 innings this season with 16 walks to boot. His 3.16 ERA and 2.53 ERA points to just how effective he can be in big spots at the end of games.

A 20th rounder in 2021, Montalvo is enjoying a bit of a breakthrough 2024 campaign. He’s a three-pitch starter with a low-to-mid 90s fastball featuring more arm-side tail than vertical tilt. His slider projects at least above average. It’s a low-80s hammer with considerable depth and sweeping action. There’s also a mid-80s changeup with vertical plant and conviction. Lee was a high school shortstop who transformed himself into a reliable arm with budding stuff. He’s sporting a 1.69 ERA at Triple-A this season and could get the call into Detroit’s bullpen down the stretch. His slider has flirted with 3000 rpm at times and flashes above-average traits and shape.

Pittsburgh Pirates Receive: Outfielder Bryan De La Cruz

Miami Marlins Receive: Infielder Garret Forrester, Right-handed pitcher Jun-Seok Shim

Nice piece for a Pirates outfield looking to put together a more formidable lineup after Jack Suwinski‘s untimely struggles in 2024. De La Cruz is a power bat with 18 homers this season. Still just 27 years old, he’s controlled through the 2027 season.

Forrester was one of the more highly regarded pure hitters in the 2023 Draft coming out of Oregon State. He’s limited athletically, but he’ll draw walks, swing at good pitches, and hit for some average and power. He can handle first base and left field. Shim has been dealing with a shoulder injury this season and has not appeared in a game, but was impressive in his eight innings of complex work in 2023 posting 13 strikeouts across 8 innings. Still just 20 years old, he’s got a great frame and a loose, easy operation.

Pittsburgh Pirates Receive: Utility Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Toronto Blue Jays Receive: Infielder Charles McAdoo

I like this deal quite a bit for Toronto. McAdoo has size and physicality and has been a development success in Pittsburgh. There’s usable power and positional versatility even if he won’t grade out better than average at any one spot. The bat will carry this player to the big leagues.

Kiner-Falefa helps fill out a Pirates lineup searching for consistency down the stretch. He can handle any of the infield spots. The Pirates don’t need exceptional offense to get to the offense, just steady enough performance to let their pitching staff due the heavy lifting.

Baltimore Orioles Receive: Outfielder Eloy Jimenez

Chicago White Sox Receive: Right-handed pitcher Trey McGough

Jimenez is more of a lottery ticket than anything for the Orioles. He’s a nice designated hitter who rounds out their bench as a potential late-inning pinch hitter or insurance policy if they lose a bat down the stretch. He’s been hurt most of the year but when he gets hot he can carry a lineup… if he gets the at-bats to get cooking that is.

This is mostly a salary dump for the White Sox who still owed Jimenez close to $6 million through the end of the season. McGough, 26, has a 1.99 ERA across 54.1 innings with 55 strikeouts and 21 walks this season. He profiles as a swingman going forward.

Los Angeles Dodgers Receive: Right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty

Detroit Tigers Receive: Catcher Thayron Liranzo, infielder Trey Sweeney

This is a really nice get for the Dodgers. Flaherty is enjoying a nice bounce back 2024 in which he boasts a 2.95 ERA in 18 starts. He’s striking out more batters than he ever has and is issuing the least amount of walks he ever has too. Flaherty is the insurance policy the Dodgers needed to make a final push this summer with Bobby Miller and Walker Buehler struggling to recapture what they’ve been in the past.

Liranzo is a really nice addition. He was set to rank as the Dodgers’ no. 5 overall prospect in our midseason update. There are still considerable questions on whether or not he can catch at the big league level but few doubt whether or not the raw power will play. It’s ‘plus’ arm strength that could be hidden in a corner outfield spot. More than likely he projects at first base and in a platoon role at catcher.

Sweeney is now 24 years old enjoying a .255/.334/.427 campaign with 13 homers at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He’s striking out more than he really ever has this year and scouts are a bit less bullish on the hit tool than they were a year prior. It’s still solid-average raw power, a left-handed swing and an average shortstop glove despite his bigger-than-typical size for the position. If it all clicks, you’d hope he transforms into a Matt Carpenter type of player.

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The San Diego Padres completed a trade with the Miami Marlins, acquiring lefty Tanner Scott and right-hander Bryan Hoeing in exchange for southpaw Robby Snelling, right-hander Adam Mazur, outfielder Graham Pauley, and infielder Jay Beshears.

Hoeing comes with four more years of control for San Diego, but Scott will hit free agency following this season. Hoeing is mostly a two-seam/splitter/slider arm, up to 96 mph with some ground ball ability. He’s started and served out of the bullpen for Miami for the last three years.

Scott is as tough on lefties as any reliever in baseball in 2024, allowing just three hits in 39 at-bats against them, but he’s far from a specialist, holding righties to a .144 average and .198 slug.

Scott’s control, however, gets him in trouble. It’s nearly a 15% walk rate this season. But he keeps the ball in the ballpark and rarely gets hit hard.

Snelling is the biggest name coming back to Miami. The 20-year-old was the No. 39 overall pick by the Padres in 2022 and has missed bats at every step in the minors. He’s gradually made strides in strike throwing and will consistently sit 92-95 mph with the fastball.

His best pitch is a plus, slurvy curveball, and there’s a changeup showing signs in 2024, too. He’s still working on the control and remains a few years from the big leagues — essentially is a project — there’s at least mid-rotation upside here in the mold of a Blake Snell if everything works out in the end.

Mazur made his debut this season, making eight uneven starts, despite a strong debut in June versus the Angels. It’s a four-pitch mix with his best offering a firm slider with a chance to miss bats. He also has a hard changeup and low-80s curveball.

Pauley, 23, is a fringe glove at the infield corners but understands the strike zone well and has some power upside thanks to efficient contact and pitch selection.  He’s struggled to hit for average in the upper minors, suggesting role limits to part-time play.

Beshears is a 22-year-old left-side infielder with little shot to play short but the arm to stay at third base long-term. Whether he has the power to play there, however, is another story. Well, it’s another answer: No.

Beshears profiles to get on base and serve as an up-and-down depth option if he can maintain solid-average contact rates as he moves to the upper minors.

The Padres clearly are going for it and while this deal favors the Marlins long-term, underestimating the solid upside of Hoeing would be a mistake. San Diego received two arms to help now and one is a cheap option for future years with a bit of ceiling. It simply comes at quite the cost.

The Fish do what they do and are taking a shot they can help Snelling develop into his full potential, but also get some bulk depth in their system.

TRADE GRADES (20-80 Scale)

San Diego: 45
Miami: 55

The New York Mets had added right-hander Paul Blackburn to hep cover their loss of Kodai Senga and Christian Scott. In return, the Oakland Athletics received right-hander Kade Morris.

Morris has touched 97 mph but pitches with average command in the 91-94 mph range with two fastballs, led by a true two-seamer. He throws varied versions of two breaking balls, one a 74-78 mph curveball and the other a promising low-80s slider.

It’s a mid-rotation upside for the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder and he’s a few years from cracking the big leagues.

Blackburn, 30, is a pitch-to-contact righty without strong ground ball tendencies, and his home run issues have hurt him his entire career. But it is a kitchen-sink approach if there ever was one.

He’s a back-end starter who can cover innings when healthy, but staying off the IL hasn’t been his bag, missing 10-plus starts in each of the last three seasons, including 2024.

He sits 91-93 mph with two fastballs, adds a firm cutter, two distinct breaking balls, and a changeup. There isn’t a plus pitch in the bunch, but all take turns giving him chances to get outs.

Blackburn has one more season until free agency, to the Mets are buying some peace of mind, albeit one without much upside.

TRADE GRADES (20-80 Scale)

New York: 45
Miami: 55

The post TRADES: Padres, Mets add more pitching at very different costs appeared first on Future Stars Series.

The Texas Rangers, who began the day seven games back of the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners in the West, are just 3.5 games back in the Wild Card race. In acquiring lefty Andrew Chafin, the Rangers’ struggles versus left-handed hitting has been addressed.

Chafin, 34, has had another strong year, pisting a career-best 30.9% strikeout rate and some of the best runs-allowed results of his career. He’s held lefties to a .180/.261/.213 slash this season.

The Rangers hold a 2025 option on Chafin.

Detroit received right-handed pitching prospects Joseph Montalvo and Chase Lee in return.

Lee, 25, is up to 94 mph with a four-seamer and sinker, and misses bats with a slider (80-83 mph). He’s a pure reliever who has performed in Triple-A this year, but has had some control problems.

Montalvo, 22, is a fastball-slider-changeup right-hander with plus athleicism and misses bats with the low-80 breaker. Scouts like his chances to throw strikes and develop the changeup, strong evidence he’s a rotation piece.

The Rangers wisely kept 2025 in mind in this deal. The Tigers did not, despite the fact they sit just one game back of Texas in the Wild Card hunt.

TRADE GRADES (20-80 Scale)

Texas: 60
Detroit: 50

The Boston Red Sox added depth and some upside to their relief corps with right-hander Lucas Sims.

Sims sits 92-96 mph wit his fastball but leds the way with his slider, throwing it early 49% of the time with good results. His cutter is a quality third option, and one he might throw more often if his four-seamers keeps getting hit (.275 BAA, .549 SLGA).

The 30-year-old will be a free agent after the season and the Red Sox will seek to help him throw strikes more cosistently, but Sims can be a quality middle-innings arm.

The Reds are getting right-hander Ovis Portes in return, a raw, projectable arm up to 95 mph and a slider that flashes. It’s a long-term wager for Cincinnati, but a fitting one.

Boston: 50
Cincinnati: 55

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