Live Looks: New Balance Future Stars Series, Main Event: Part 2

The New Balance Future Stars Series Main Event has rapidly grown into one of the premier high school baseball showcases in the nation. Last year Citi Field played host to the contest and featured several early draft picks, including Cam Collier, Cole Phillips, Henry Bolte, and more. While seeing day one draft talent is always a treat, my favorite aspect of the Main Event is the stage it gives the hidden gems of the draft class. Guardians 7th-round pick Javier Santos was a great example of this, as were Eric Snow and Griffin Stieg, to name a few. 


     Fenway Park played host to the Main Event for two of the three games this year, with game one taking place in Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford, CT. One of my favorite aspects of the Main Event is that pitchers are required to go three innings, which gives you a better idea of what their stuff looks like since they can't go max effort for a single inning. Below, I've ranked the top three pitchers from the Main Event followed by a slew of notes on arms that caught my attention. Missed part one? You can check out my notes on hitters HERE.


     One last thing before we dive in. Every at bat from the Main Event is viewable on the Future Stars Series YouTube channel. I've included some of these videos in the article to supplement my own. This is a great resource and you can thank Mike Ashmore for all the footage. Mike was constantly on the move and the effort he put in was commendable. 


 Top Three Pitchers


1.

Zane Adams, Left-Handed Pitcher

H/W: 6’4-180

School: Porter, TX

Commitment: Alabama


I was impressed with what I saw with Zane Adams. He’s a premium athlete on the mound with a super projectable frame. He’s a big kid at 6’4 with strength and a lanky build. The delivery out of the windup is. . .unique. It’s up-tempo, to say the least, with many moving parts and bounciness. The front leg gets high in front of his body before dropping down with minimal stride down the mound. The arm is quick, and the ball comes out from a near over-the-top slot. Adams loads up on his backside, creates good leverage, and effectively works downhill. It’s a deceptive look for the Texas lefty, and he could repeat his mechanics well, considering all the movements that go into it. The delivery is toned down a bit in the stretch, but Adams still maintains some funk. 


The stuff was solid, though not as explosive as it was during the Perfect Game All-American Classic. That’s to be expected, as Adams was tasked with going three innings in this appearance instead of just one. Adams sat 88-91 MPH, grabbing some 2’s early. The fastball has good sink and works well down in the zone, likely aided by his downhill delivery. Adams struggled to locate the pitch down and away to lefties and looked more comfortable working the fastball to his arm side. Adams flashed an occasional split-change in the low 80s, but the feel for the pitch was inconsistent. Still, it was an intriguing look with late dive, and I think it could develop into a solid offering with increased usage. Adams’s best pitch was undoubtedly his solid-average curveball. He had no trouble landing it in the zone for quality strikes and used it effectively as a chase pitch below the zone. The curve had huge depth and often froze hitters on its way to the plate with 74-76 MPH velocity. It’s a high spinner, and Adams was able to alter the shape of the pitch at times to keep hitters off balance. Adams could have a true plus pitch in the breaking ball with a bit more power. Adams worked around a few walks to record three shutout innings. He racked up four strikeouts, all of which were looking as hitters struggled to pick up the ball out of Adams’s hand. 


I could see teams hesitant to devote big bonus dollars to a prep arm with such an unorthodox look. Adams uses his unique delivery to his advantage, allowing his stuff to play up. He’s already been up to 94 MPH from the left side, and his feel for spin is highly advanced. The changeup has positive elements, giving Adams a starter’s repertoire. With further physical growth remaining, Adams could become a huge weapon for Alabama if teams decide to wait and see how he performs in college. He currently profiles as a reliever at the pro level, but the upside for much more is certainly present.


RHP Zane Adams, Porter HS (TX), 2023 - Future Stars Series: Main Event


2.

Luke McNeillie, Right-Handed Pitcher

H/W: 6’3-170

School: Milton, GA

Commitment: Florida


Luke McNeillie was a name I tucked away after seeing him pitch at this event last year as an underclassman. Now in his draft year, McNeillie’s velocity has ticked up, and the body is starting to fill out a bit more. McNeillie has a ton of projection in his lanky frame, and it’s not hard to imagine a significant velocity jump in the near future. The arm action is clean, with good speed and a fairly simple delivery overall. During his three-inning start, McNeillie employed a four-pitch mix that consisted of a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. The fastball sat in the 90-92 MPH range (93 MPH max) for most of the day, dipping into the upper 80s for the final couple of batters. The fastball had occasional arm-side run and generated multiple whiffs up in the zone. He located the pitch effectively for the first two innings before battling with his release point and control during inning three. The curveball was the go-to secondary and flashed above average in the mid-to-upper 70s. McNeillie’s breaking ball lacked consistency, but it has the makings of a good pitch with further refinement. McNeillie’s bread-and-butter pitch has been his changeup, but he waited until innings two and three before leaning on it. It was his most consistent pitch, and the best were solid plus offerings.


McNeillie didn’t allow a run, though he did have to work through some traffic. He pitched around some weak contact and walks, executing when needed. McNeillie generated five whiffs on the day, most of which came on the fastball. McNeillie is far from a finished product but already possesses several starter traits. He’ll likely be a tough sign away from Florida unless the velocity pops this spring. McNeillie will be a high priority in the Peach State leading up to the draft.


RHP Luke McNeillie, Milton HS (GA), 2023 - Future Stars Series: Main Event


3.

Alex Kranzler, Right-Handed Pitcher

H/W: 6’2-210

School: Old Tappan, NJ

Commitment: Vanderbilt


Kranzler was New Jersey’s pitcher of the year for 2022. I saw him once during the spring, but he clearly worked on things over the summer as his stuff was more electric this time out. The fastball velocity was predictably up, given that this would only be a three-inning appearance. But on top of the increase in velo, Kranzler also showcased a much-improved slider. Kranzler has a strong, athletic build with wide shoulders and a sturdy lower half that should get stronger. The arm action is long in the back, with looseness and outstanding arm speed. Kranzler releases from a ¾ angle from a higher slot. The delivery has funk and deception to it. 


Against a lineup filled with lefty hitters, Kranzler effectively utilized a fastball-slider pitch mix. The fastball was 90-93 MPH (94 max) in the first inning. The heater dropped to about 90 MPH and sat in the 87-90 MPH area for innings two and three. Kranzler’s fastball was lively and rarely straight with late movement, especially late sink when thrown arm side. The fastball generated whiffs up in the zone and avoided barrels for all three innings. Kranzler’s fastball command was impressive, given the funky mechanics, with a high percentage of strikes and no free passes (1 HBP). Kranzler’s slider looks like a newly constructed pitch compared to the one I saw during the spring. He threw a good amount of them for strikes and seemed to have an advanced feel for it, which is surprising because of how new the pitch must be for Kranzler. It’s thrown in the 77-80 MPH range, with most of those 80s coming in the 1st inning. It’s a true sweeper with huge, flat horizontal movement. Kranzler looked comfortable locating it to his glove side, and when he did miss his spot, those misses were typically in safe areas out of the strike zone. The slider lost some bite after the 1st inning but was still effective. Overall, it was a quality showing for Kranzler, who gave up one run and struck out two, with maybe one hard hit allowed.


I expect Kranzler will get hit with the reliever tag during this draft cycle. The velocity/stuff dip is a factor, along with some jerkiness to the delivery and the lack of a third pitch. He has the physical tools and pitchability to make effective changes, as evidenced by his newly formed slider. Vanderbilt commitments are almost always tough to break, which makes it hard to project Kranzler as a “draft guy.” He certainly has the ingredients to be a difference-maker at the next level and will be a favorite to win player of the year in New Jersey for 2023.


https://twitter.com/ftrstarsseries/status/1573773205969436673?s=20&t=DV9kJK9rw_hT1P8Ogahxhg


Other Pitchers of Note


Jake Brown, Left-Handed Pitcher

H/W: 6’2-180

School: Sulphur, LA

Commitment: LSU


Brown is arguably the top draft prospect in the state of Louisiana for 2023. Surprise, he’s committed to LSU following his senior year of high school. Brown came into the weekend with some strong performances under his belt with Team USA and at the Area Code Games. He’s developed a reputation as a southpaw with advanced command and pitchability but modest stuff. Brown’s fastball topped out at 91 MPH, sitting in the 88-89 range with a few 90s mixed in. The athleticism on the mound, combined with the looseness and quickness of the arm, likely means more velocity is on the horizon. Brown throws from a low ¾ slot with easy effort. He had some issues repeating his delivery after the first inning, which made commanding the fastball challenging. It’s a hard pitch to square when located down in the zone, and it pairs well with his slurve and changeup. Brown also recorded some whiffs on the fastball above the strike zone, giving him a fastball that can achieve results at different levels of the strike zone. Brown’s slurvy slider was thrown in the 78-81 range and has the potential to develop into a legit weapon with its lateral break and the way Brown can move it around the zone. He used it as a putaway pitch against lefties and righties, and I liked his feel for back footing it to righties. The changeup also has upside with how Brown sells it, but it should improve significantly with increased velocity separation off his fastball. 


The lack of present velocity and an in-state commitment to LSU likely means Brown is headed to campus. But he’s done enough over the last couple of months to make him a quality follow in the south for the upcoming spring. There are some similarities between Brown and former LSU recruit Michael Kennedy (Pirates 4th rd pick).


2022 Future Stars Series Main Event: Jake Brown vs. Antonio Morales (K)



Deegan Cordova, Right-Handed Pitcher

H/W: 6’2-180

School: Lake Havasu, AZ

Commitment: Uncommitted


The results weren’t there for Cordova, but the uncommitted righty from Arizona showed some promise. He pitched in the low 90s, up to 93 MPH, for a good portion of his appearance and spun a few quality breakers as well. He’ll need to refine his delivery and remain more in control of his body during his motion to improve his strike-throwing, but there’s some sneaky arm talent here. I could see Cordova taking a jump forward if he lands with a good four-year school or juco program.


https://twitter.com/ftrstarsseries/status/1573750801029267459?t=_MBCoBbtzenrD5mIzPVrUg&s=19


Hudson Hamilton, Right-Handed Pitcher

H/W: 6’1-210

School: Grand Oaks, TX

Commitment: Texas


Hamilton put in three respectable innings of work during game one on Friday night. He gave up one earned run, struck out four, and walked two. It’s a thick, physical frame that is close to maxed out at this stage. Hamilton has a short arm action and a ¾ release with a slight crossfire to his delivery. There were some inconsistencies in repeating his landing, which led to some control issues, but Hamilton was able to fill the zone for most of the evening. The fastball sat comfortably in the low 90s, occasionally dropping into the upper 80s later, flashing some rise up in the zone. Hamilton seemed to have better feel for his slider, which has the makings of a plus pitch at the next level. He generates big spin on the slider with sweeping movement in the 77-80 MPH range. Hamilton often pitched backward, starting hitters off with a slider, and he had no problem doubling up on the pitch when the situation called for it. Three out of Hamilton’s four K’s came on sliders. Hamilton is a two-way player, but the low 90s velocity and swing-and-miss slider he displayed likely keeps him on the mound long-term. It’s a two-pitch reliever look right now, but Hamilton has the athleticism, size, and stuff to grow into a starter’s role.


https://twitter.com/ftrstarsseries/status/1573433468654178318?t=Tu7u0ExfNJc4OgFf1sAsBQ&s=19



Mac Heuer, Right-Handed Pitcher

H/W: 6’4-220

School: Home School, GA

Commitment: Texas Tech


Heuer went four innings on Saturday and held his stuff throughout the appearance. He got off to a shaky start in the first inning but was able to right the ship the rest of the way. Heuer’s size is imposing, and he gets on top of hitters quickly, allowing his stuff to play up. He has above-average arm speed, and the arm action is extremely short, which adds a layer of deception. There’s some effort at release, but when Heuer keeps his mechanics in sync, the delivery is compact and easy. Heuer’s fastball sat in the 91-93 MPH range (94 MPH max), with mostly 93’s during the first inning. The fastball has carry through the zone with tailing action when thrown to his arm side. With another jump in velocity, Heuer’s fastball has a chance to be a whiff-inducing pitch in the pros. Heuer’s slider was better than I expected, and his best ones were at least above average. Heuer didn’t have much feel for his slider early on, but it became an effective pitch for him as the game progressed. The pitch was thrown in the low 80s with a lot of spin and two-plane movement. 


With some unorthodox mechanics and a two-pitch mix, Heuer profiles as a power reliever at the pro level. The development of a legitimate breaking ball bodes well for his future, as does the consistent/present velocity, but the command will need to improve over longer stretches. If he remains on this current development track, I see Heuer developing into a significant weapon at Texas Tech.


https://twitter.com/ftrstarsseries/status/1573785296801497089?s=20&t=DV9kJK9rw_hT1P8Ogahxhg



Vinny Hudson, Right-Handed Pitcher/Shortstop

H/W: 6-3/170

School: Ruben S Ayala, CA

Commitment: Arizona, ‘24


During last year’s Main Event at Citi Field, game one starter Luke McNeilie showed well enough as a ‘23 eligible arm to force his name on my 2023 draft watch list. Vinny Hudson did something similar this year as one of the few 2024 eligible players at this year’s Main Event.  A two-way player, Hudson has a similar build to McNeilie while looking poised and flashing solid stuff for an arm heading into his junior year of high school. At times, Hudson was into the low 90s but was primarily in the upper 80s with his fastball. He also showed some quality breaking ball feel that should continue to grow. A good athlete, I wouldn’t be surprised if Hudson is a primary focus at next year’s Main Event in the same way McNeilie was at Fenway. 


https://twitter.com/ftrstarsseries/status/1573489124203438097?t=oicdN7UN0tLt-UwdRpW60Q&s=19



Cody New, Left-Handed Pitcher

H/W: 6’1-195

School: Hesperia Christian, CA

Commitment: Cal Baptist


New came out hot early, maxing out at 93 MPH on his fastball and recording some low 90s readings before dropping to about 87 MPH for most of his outing. New has a deceptive delivery with a closed-off finish, and he'll also occasionally alter his arm slot from ¾ to a sidearm position. New displayed confidence in his curveball that he manipulated at an advanced level. His 12-6 curve had Barry Zito-type shape and movement, but he also mixed in a tighter variant that was also effective. New could be a nice rotation piece for the coaching staff at Cal Baptist to build around. 


https://twitter.com/ftrstarsseries/status/1573779235579334656?s=20&t=tbMrAhZ5wOIeyJuZ3DmQVQ



Ethan Sutton, Right-Handed Pitcher

H/W: 6’3-200

School: Allatoona, GA

Commitment: Georgia


Ethan Sutton worked three scoreless innings on Friday, finishing with three strikeouts, no walks, and one hit batter. Sutton is a strapping righty with a premium pitcher’s build and some strength gains remaining. He’s an impressive mover on the mound, getting his body into good positions even with his large build. Sutton gets great extension down the mound with a quick, whippy arm and a low release height. The fastball peaked at 93 MPH early and sat around 89 MPH (87-90 MPH range) during his three innings of work. The fastball had late boring action with more control than command. Sutton had trouble maintaining a consistent release point which caused a noticeable portion of his fastballs to sail well outside of the zone. Sutton worked primarily with his fastball and changeup, though he did show a breaking ball that flashed heavy horizontal movement while warming up between innings. Sutton sells the changeup well and effectively tunnels the pitch off the fastball, giving it above-average potential at least. Sutton has some work to do this winter and spring, but there are intriguing elements here, and he’s a candidate to “pop up” before the draft. 


https://youtu.be/EwbGXSlgF60



Javi Torres, Right-Handed Pitcher

H/W: 6’1-195

School: Judson, TX 

Commitment: Texas State


As I mentioned before, this event featured a lot of quality spin but was a bit light on velocity, not that I'm complaining. Texas State commit Javi Torres captured the velocity crown over the event’s three games when he grabbed a 95 MPH reading on his fastball. Torres didn’t allow a baserunner during his three innings of work which included six strikeouts, and he sat in the upper portion of his 90-93 MPH velocity range during the appearance.


Torres worked efficiently, throwing a high percentage of strikes while racking up whiffs (eleven total) and harmless contact. He featured a full four-pitch mix that included the fastball, as mentioned earlier, a tight slider in the 80-83 range, a big-bending curveball in the low-to-mid 70s, and a low 80s changeup with significant fade. Thickly built at 6’1-195, Torres looks capable of handling a starter’s workload at Texas State, with the arsenal and pitchability needed to boot. He did a good job commanding his running fastball up, located the slider well in the zone, and as a chase pitch, stole strikes with the curveball and faded his changeup away from lefties. Torres is one to watch moving forward, with the potential for more velocity and four better-than-average pitches.


2022 Future Stars Series Main Event: Javier Torres vs. Landon Stripling (K)