The Future Stars Series Main Event made its much-anticipated return to Fenway Park in 2023, once again presenting an exceptional array of high school baseball talent from across North America. During this exclusive showcase, two handpicked teams compete in a series of three nine-inning games. Over the past few years, the Future Stars Series (FSS) and the Main Event have built an impressive roster of alumni, including notable MLB prospects like Grayson Rodriguez (BAL), Cam Collier (CIN), Ricky Tiedemann (TOR), Cooper Pratt (MIL), and Drew Gilbert (NYM).
This marked my third year covering the Main Event, which has quickly become an annual tradition for me. In the Northeast, there are limited opportunities to witness high-level prep talent from outside the region. Fortunately, the Main Event offers a chance to discover new faces while also providing a valuable frame of reference when observing local high schoolers during the Spring season. Each pitcher is expected to pitch three innings during their appearance. This format proves beneficial for evaluation purposes, as it requires pitchers to demonstrate control and endurance rather than solely relying on maximum effort for a single inning."
FSS excels in assembling rosters comprising both under-the-radar prospects and well-known names. It's almost a guarantee that the Main Event will unveil a handful of unexpected rising stars. While a significant portion of these talents ultimately find themselves on college campuses, the Main Event has afforded me an advantageous head start in evaluating college players, thereby enriching my college watch lists. Take, for instance, the 2021 Main Event participants Brandon Compton (Arizona State), Luke Hill (Ole Miss), and Eric Snow (USF), none of whom were initially drafted out of high school, yet each one appears poised as a potential top-three-round pick for 2025. The 2023 Main Event showcased a wealth of 2024 draft talent and promising college prospects. Check out the full roster below as well as the top players and performers that I saw at this year’s showcase.
THE TOP THREE
Bryce Navarre, LHP
School: Montgomery (TX)
H-W: 6'1-190
Commitment: Texas A&M
Draft Age: 18.06
Navarre had a loud performance at Area Code Games in August, which is why the lefty out of Montgomery, Texas, was one of the few attendees I was familiar with before this event. Navarre got the start in game two and didn’t allow a run during his three innings of work. He has an average-sized build for a pitcher, sharing some similarities with Andrew Abbott of the Reds and Arkansas lefty Mason Molina. He’s a great athlete on the mound with loose actions and the ability to repeat his delivery cleanly. Navarre stays closed in his delivery and utilizes a short arm action, hiding the ball well in the process. The arm slot varied slightly between ¾ and high ¾, but because he moves so well on the mound, he releases from a lower height. The added deception allows his arsenal to sneak up on hitters. Navarre’s fastball sat in the 88-90 MPH range, topping out at 91 MPH in the 1st inning. The fastball flashed solid carry through the zone, with IVBs in the 17-inch area. The fastball occasionally showed some cutting action, most noticeably when located to the glove side. Navarre had around 8-9 whiffs on the fastball and effectively used that natural cutting action inside to righty bats to generate weak contact.
It was encouraging to see Navarre beat hitters with the fastball, but the curveball was the star of the show. Navarre had a little trouble getting a feel for the pitch in warmups and during the 1st inning, but that immediately changed when he came out for inning #2. Navarre’s 72-74 MPH curveball was consistently above average, and several were plus. He routinely eclipses 3,000 RPMs on his hook, and he’ll alternate the shape at will. It’s a tough, deep angle that he tunnels well off his fastball. You can probably safely project the pitch at a plus level, but it could push towards the 70-grade range depending on future velocity gains. Navarre relied mainly on the fastball/breaker combo but did show a changeup with some fade. If he can continue to improve his ability to “sell” the pitch, it has the makings of a solid 3rd offering.
At this stage of the 2024 draft cycle, there’s a sizable group of prep lefties with a similar profile as Navarre. David Shields (PA), William Kirk (NJ), and Joseph Broughton (MI) all come to mind. All are good athletes who throw strikes and spin the baseball well but have below-average velocity. In recent years, prep lefties with this type of profile end up on campus unless there’s a boost in velocity. There’s a phrase for high school players like Navarre, “You either pay him now, or you pay him later.” Without seeing velocity, teams often feel uncomfortable meeting the bonus demands of prep arms. The downside of that thought process is there’s a really good chance you’ll end up paying more after three years of school. Wake Forest’s Josh Hartle is a good example of this. Navarre is committed to Texas A&M, an SEC program, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s an Aggie this time next year. He’ll be an extremely high follow this spring.
Robbie Demetree, SS/3B
School: TNXL Academy (FL)
H-W: 6'1-195 B-T: R-R
Commitment: UCF
Draft Age: 19.08
One of the reasons I make sure to check out this event each year is because of guys like Robbie Demetree. As you can see, Demetree will be quite a bit older than his peers on draft day. Originally part of the 2023 class, Demetree had Tommy John Surgery, causing him to remain on the shelf for a good portion of his senior year. Now part of the 2024 class, Demetree has flown under the radar but has been performing at a high enough level in recent weeks to attract some eyeballs. Demetree showed off an absolute gun during pregame warmups, firing throws from shortstop over 90 MPH. He also showed smooth actions, solid hands, and about average agility. Demetree has a lot of experience at shortstop, but he played third base on Saturday and is probably better suited for third base in the pros.
At the plate, Demetree found the barrel often. He had multiple base hits to the pull side, including a shot about halfway up the Green Monster that resulted in a double. Demetree has impressive rotational torque and adjustable hands. He uses a short stride with an uphill bat path that is geared for line drives and fly ball contact. Demetree distinguished himself over the weekend with an advanced approach and swing and possibly a couple of plus tools in the raw power and arm. Because of his age, it’s hard to predict how Demetree will be valued in the draft if he continues performing at this pace. He would be a draft-eligible sophomore in 2026 should he follow through on his UCF commitment.
Anthony Quigley, OF/1B
School: Taravella (FL)
H-W: 6'5-200 B-T: R-R
Commitment: USF
Draft Age: 18.01
Add Anthony Quigley to the list of Florida preps likely to climb up draft boards over the next several months. There aren’t many high school bats that can match his size, strength, and athleticism in this class. Quigley’s BP was loud enough to grade out the raw power at a plus level. Even though his hardest hit ball was a fly out to center, it was impressive to see a 17-year-old square up and drive the ball to the deepest part of the ballpark. You really take notice of Quigley’s size in the box, thanks to a wide stance where his legs seem to go on forever. He has some pre-pitch movement during his stance with a bat waggle that he’ll tone down when behind in the count. Quigley loads up on his backside for maximum power potential early in at-bats and when ahead in counts. Quigley also alters the size of his stride depending on the situation, showing a mature approach, but he can still impact the ball without it, thanks to his physical strength. The power potential is significant, but the in-game approach shows he’s not a one-trick pony. There will be swing-and-miss risk that must be monitored moving forward, but that’s true for most hitters with his size. The hands appear quick and adjustable enough to cover the zone at a solid level.
Quigley also had a good weekend in Jupiter shortly after the Main Event, proving he’s a strong draft follow this spring. Quigley is a solid runner underway, but it takes him a little while to get to max speed. He’s a capable outfield defender presently with enough arm strength for right field. Quigley played some first base over the weekend, which could be his long-term home, depending on how he fills out physically. Quigley won’t turn 18 until late in the draft cycle and is committed to USF.
Arms Aplenty
I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of intriguing arms that took the mound during Saturday’s two games. Like last year’s event, I didn’t see a ton of velocity, but I definitely saw several arms that will pitch at the pro level. Several pitchers from last year’s Main Event experienced a significant velocity boost prior to the draft (Cody New, Brayden Marx, Mac Heuer, etc.), and I expect that to happen again in 2024.
- RHP Alex Hernandez (Forsyth Central, GA) was 92-93 MPH with his fastball during his first inning of work before settling into the 90-91 MPH range. A legit two-way talent committed to Georgia Tech, Hernandez is very physical and has a power profile on both sides of the ball. Hernandez has a lively fastball that he pairs with a potential putaway slider flashing late bite. He also looked comfortable throwing his 84 MPH changeup to lefties.
- I liked Mason Middleton’s (Reagan, NC) poise and demeanor on the mound. The 6’2-220 righty has a bulldog look and mentality on the bump, which he carried with him through three pristine innings. An Appalachian State commit, Middleton’s fastball sat 90 MPH with riding action from a low ¾ slot. He alternated between two breaking balls, a slow curveball with big vertical break, and a tighter slider between 79-81 MPH that tunnels well off the heater. Middleton showed confidence mixing in his entire arsenal and showed an advanced feel for locating his secondaries.
- Not only are righties Lance Davis and Eli Crecelius high school teammates at Valley View High School, but the duo are also committed to Arkansas. Davis has a pro build and well above-average arm speed. He attacked hitters with three pitches: a fastball that sat 89-91 MPH, a hard gyro slider in the 82-84 MPH range, and a quality changeup with arm side fade. Davis' slider racked up over half a dozen whiffs and looked like a future plus pitch. Davis battled some command issues but showed plenty of projectable traits. Meanwhile, Crecelius breezed through three innings, relying on a robust fastball-slider combo. Crecelius has a thick, workhorse-type build at 6'2-210, with polished mechanics on the mound. The slider was dastardly, and Crecelius had no issue commanding it in any count. It may be difficult to pry Davis and Crecelius away from their Arkansas commitments, but their strong showcase performances should make Valley View High School a common destination for area scouts this spring.
- When a school like Vanderbilt dips into Ohio for a prep righty, it's a good idea to pay attention. RHP Noah LaFine (Archbishop Hoban, OH) certainly made an impression with a funky operation and a lively three-pitch arsenal. At a projectable 5 '11-175, LaFine explodes down the mound, getting good extension in his delivery. The arm is loose and quick, with a longer arm action and a low release height. The fastball worked east-west in the 88-90 MPH range and peaked at 92 MPH. LaFine's best offering was a firm changeup in the low 80s with splitter-type action. He rounded out the arsenal with a 75-77 MPH slider that flashed whiff potential with heavy horizontal movement. The operation is reliever-y, but LaFine's physical traits and feel for three pitches will keep him on the draft radar this spring.
Hitters to Follow
- One of the first hitters who made an impression during game action was the Blue Team’s leadoff hitter, Derrick "DJ" Layton (Charlotte Christian, SC). Layton has a long, projectable frame at 6-1/175. The switch-hitter projects to have more juice from the left side moving forward, but there’s advanced bat-to-ball ability from both sides. Layton was on base often thanks to a mature approach and quality plate discipline. He’s an intelligent ballplayer who adapted his game to the situation at hand, which you can see in the clip below. Layton has recorded above average 60 times, though both home-to-first times I recorded were closer to average. Layton displayed a strong arm during infield/outfield work and has been into the low-90s on the mound. Where Layton sticks long-term will depend on how he fills out his frame. I could see him providing solid defensive versatility at the college and pro levels, with the middle infield, third base, and right field as potential fits. Layton is young for the class (he turns 18 right around draft day) and is committed to Southern Miss, one of the top mid-majors in college baseball.
- Layton’s Main Event teammate John Pearson (West Monroe, LA) made some of the loudest contact on the day with multiple pulled line drives to left field. Pearson has immense strength in his stocky frame, allowing his power to play even when he shortens up to prioritize contact. He hits from a wide stance with a short stride and uphill bat path. Pearson has a mature body, and his conditioning at LSU and in pro ball will determine where he fits defensively. He has experience in the outfield corners and first base. John has baseball bloodlines with one brother, Jacob, in the Braves system and another brother, Josh, at LSU. Pearson will be older for the 2024 prep class, and his LSU connections point toward a future in the SEC.
- SS/2B David Hogg II (Mansfield, TX) didn't have a "wow" moment on Saturday, but he was arguably the top pro-hitting prospect at the event. I had a chance to stand near Hogg II while he was on deck, and I was surprised by how big and physical he was. The LSU commit plays light on his feet with the hands and smooth actions necessary for the infield. Hogg II received reps at second base and shortstop, looking comfortable at both middle infield spots. He has room to grow physically, and with well above-average arm strength, Hogg may profile best at the hot corner long term. At the plate, Hogg's athleticism and strength are on display from both sides of the plate with a quick rotational swing and plus bat speed. There's a little rawness to his offensive game presently, but the potential is undeniable. Hogg has recorded plus run times as well, giving him an intriguing power/speed combo to dream on.
Quick Hits
- RHP Landon Scilley’s (Mason County, KY) athleticism on the mound was particularly notable, as was the life and carry on his 89-91 MPH fastball that topped out at 93 MPH. Scilley is a two-way player, a two-sport athlete (a wide receiver on his HS football team), and a Yale commit. Two lefties, Cole Lanford (Pro5 Baseball, VA) and Jaden Barfield (Pearland, TX), are also worth mentioning. Lanford matched zeroes with Bryce Navarre, striking out five. The 6’4-215 southpaw is an Old Dominion commit who is likely to add significant velocity to his 87-89 MPH heater that flashed both riding and running action. He also threw several quality curveballs and changeups, giving him a starter’s profile. Barfield was up to 92 MPH with a fastball that can sneak up on hitters thanks to deception in his delivery. Barfield’s best pitch was a tight-breaking slider in the upper 70s that was further enhanced by his ability to manipulate spin.
- It would be a mistake for me not to mention two of the most physical players at the event. Matthew Scott II (Klein Oak, TX) and Trey Markham (Brophy College Prep, AZ) stand in at 6’4-195 and 6’3-215, respectively, with serious power potential. Scott II is committed to Texas and is one of the top prep outfielders in the state, flashing plus bat speed and good hands at the plate. Markham, a Rice commit, has less speed/agility than Scott II, but the swing and approach appeared more refined in my brief look. I could see both sluggers finding a home in the heart of the order at the D1 level.
- 2023’s Main Event was loaded with talented catchers. One backstop after the other stepped up and showed a little something on the diamond. Sir Jamison Jones (St Rita of Cascia, IL) made multiple strong throws behind the dish and was on base often Saturday. Gavin Braland (Georgia Premier Academy, GA) might have the most explosive bat of the bunch, and there’s enough agility to make third base a potential fallback position if he moves off catcher. Georgia State commit Jack Holley (Spanish Fort, AL) showed good strength in his swing with hard hits to the middle of the field. To stick at catcher, Holley will need to retain his quickness as he grows, but the actions and makeup are clearly present. Finally, Luca Perriello (Augusta Christian, GA) is someone that I could see gaining some draft buzz this spring. Perriello is a Virginia Tech commit with the tools and athleticism to play multiple positions on the diamond. He’s a switch-hitter with a simple, quiet swing and more power potential from the right side. Perriello has some unique traits for a prep catcher (versatility, switch-hitting, etc.) and could rise up draft boards with a strong spring.
- Unfortunately, I couldn’t catch Sunday’s action, and it sounds like I missed some loud performances on the bump. After watching Connor Shouse (Pickens County, GA) rifle throws from shortstop on Saturday, I wasn’t surprised to hear he was into the mid-90s on Sunday. There’s violence to the delivery, but the Georgia Tech commit has shown premium stuff throughout the summer. One of the top uncommitted players remaining, RHP Jason Flores (Naaman Forest, TX), established his customary mid-90s fastball and two quality secondaries. He also has a clean and repeatable operation on the mound with the type of frame necessary to pitch deep into games. Last, but not least, righty Josiah Romeo (Mayfield, ON) turned plenty of heads with three perfect innings on Sunday. Reportedly up to 95 MPH, Romeo displayed good feel for his fastball-slider combo.