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Canada: College Interest In Future Games Continues To Soar

August 4, 2024
Bruce Hefflinger
Canada Senior Writer

The 13th annual Future Games took place on July 24-28 at LakePoint in Emerson, Georgia. Top uncommitted prospects in the classes of 2026 and 2027 participated in one of the most popular events each year.

There were 36 teams, including Team Canada, with players representing 43 states plus Canadian prospects. Each team played three games the final three days of the event after all position players are put through a showcase workout on Wednesday, the first day of the Future Games.

More than 300 colleges from across the country were looking on as approximately 500 players participated in this year’s event. This year, more than 450 college coaches from all over the country were in attendance.

To view the schedule/articles related to the 2024 Future Games, please click here. 

CLICK HERE to view the Future Games Statistics.

2024 Future Games: Team Canada - College Interest In Future Games Continues To Soar

EMERSON, Ga. - It was another record-breaking Future Games as interest in the event continues to rise.

The Prep Baseball event that started in 2011 drew an astounding 425 college coaches, surpassing last year’s previous high number of 375 in attendance.

The attraction? It was obvious with 36 teams featuring players from 43 states and four Canadian provinces. Adding to the interest was the addition of the Senior Future Games with a dozen teams for uncommitted players entering their senior year of high school.

“The sheer amount of talent stood out,” noted Shooter Hunt, vice president of scouting for Prep Baseball. “I had many of the 425 college coaches in attendance come by and say that this was the deepest class that they had ever seen at the event.”

The talent was obvious according to Hunt.

“It seemed like every single arm that toed the rubber had huge upside, and 87-90 became the norm,” Hunt noted. “While the arms were outstanding, I was even more impressed by how comfortable the position players were in the box against those studs. There were some downright scary position player prospects.”

Team Canada made an impression.

“I loved the physicality that Canada brought to the diamond,” Hunt said. “They were uber impressive in the box and on the mound with what appeared to be a buffet of players for colleges to choose from.”

Cam Black-Araujo, Prep Baseball Canada scout and one of the coaches for Team Canada at the Future Games, was left with a good feeling about the squad.

“We went 0-3 but our staff still left the field each day extremely happy with our team’s performances,” Black-Araujo explained. “We ran into some impressive arms on the Midwest team that went 3-0 and we only picked up one hit, but each day the bats continued to get better and more comfortable with the power stuff coming at them.

“The big theme offensively was the impact left-handed bats with infielder Robert Omidi, outfielder Easton Kitura, catcher Taye Thierman and ’27 infielder Jalen Jacob. On the mound, our two big arms took the mound day one. Julian Sabourin dominated over three innings, sitting 89-92, along with ’26 right-handed pitcher Austin Blair flashing his potential as a pitcher with a fastball that ran up to 90.”

There was more that made a statement.

“What stood out to me the most this year was the talent level,” Black-Araujo said. “The new recruiting rules begin to weed out committed players who would otherwise be unable to attend the event. Within Canada, we didn’t have a single player in the 2026 class who was committed, which allowed us to bring the top players across the country. Beyond the talent level, something that really stood out was the amount of schools in attendance outside the Division I level to get a look at the 2025 class at the Senior Future Games. Previously, it was rare to see this so that was something that really caught my attention at this year's event.

The benefits are enormous.

“It provides players in attendance a chance to showcase their skills over four days in front of their dream schools,” Black-Araujo noted. “For Canadian players, we don’t have a ‘hometown’ team so players’ desirable landing spots are all over the map. This event allows all of them to put themselves on the field in front of those coaches, no matter the location in America. Beyond the college coaching aspect, it’s not often Canadian players are on the field with some of the best players in America and the Future Games allows them to see where they stack up against their American counterparts.

“Outside of the operational stuff, a big part of the week for myself and George (Halim, Prep Baseball Canada Assistant Scouting Director) was interacting with college coaches who were eager to learn more about our Canadian players,” Black-Araujo continued. “It was the first time we brought a team of true 2026s to the event so it was a younger squad, meaning it was the first look for many coaches. This dialect that started down in Georgia has continued as it’s now hit August 1st and coaches are continuing to reach out for more information on players who represented Canada.”

Much of the interest was developed during the Future Games.

“Our staff had a ton of conversations at the event with schools interested in both our bats and arms and now a week after the event, we're still fielding calls and texts from schools looking for more background and insight on these players,” Black-Araujo noted. “As I sit here and write this, I’m texting a pair of Division I programs about two bats on the team. We had several players receive communications on Aug. 1st and it wouldn't surprise me to see a couple names off the board in the coming month.”

Hunt was thrilled with how it all turned out.

“A record-setting 425 college coaches were in attendance for this event, and that number alone speaks volumes to the importance of the event in the recruiting world,” Hunt said about the 14th annual Future Games for incoming sophomores and juniors along with the Junior Future Games for soon-to-be ninth graders and select eighth graders and, this year, the first Senior Future Games. “There is simply nothing else like it. Many schools were there with three and four coaches because there was so much talent.

“It was fascinating hearing how each school split up the event,” Hunt added in reference to the challenge at hand to see players at each of the three levels of play. “They all appeared to have full on meetings prior to coming to LakePoint to figure out how to dissect the coverage to get the most out of it.”

Black-Araujo believes the addition of the Senior Future Games was a great decision.

“With the new recruiting rules, I thought the Senior Future Games was a great idea, especially for the Canadians who are typically uncommitted for a longer period of time compared to the Americans,” Black-Araujo said. “Despite losing two players to Team Canada and another to a Michigan commitment, I was impressed with the roster we were able to assemble and that showed with a 2-1 record and 19 runs scored.

“Despite the Senior Future Games taking place on the opposite quad as the Future Games, I was really impressed with the amount of college coaches that were taking in the 2025s, as well. The addition of this event was huge for Canada’s top 2025s entering their senior year uncommitted. I think there will be some big commitments coming out of this event, both at the Division I level and powerhouse junior college programs.”

The Team Canada coach also found the Junior Future Games to be beneficial.

“The group we brought to the Junior Future Games was a year younger than we typically bring and it was noticeable with a sense of youth throughout the lineup,” Black-Araujo related. “The team didn’t win a single game but continued to battle and bring energy each time out. They continued to make adjustments throughout the week, as many were facing velocities they have never seen (mid-to-upper ’80s at times) and nearly made a four-run comeback in the final inning of our elimination game against the Pacific Northwest.

“While the results didn't go our way, our staff is confident there will be several names from this team who develop into Future Gamers by the summer of 2026.”

As for what lies ahead, that is still to be determined.

“Nothing has been set for 2025, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some changes and advancements,” Hunt concluded. “We are never satisfied, and always want to provide the best experience for both the player and college coach so that it is easier for the two to unite.”

Deagan Barr, a St. Anne Catholic 2026, summed up well what it was like for those on this year’s Team Canada.

“The feeling of representing your country while playing the game you love is an incredible one,” Barr said. “This event was easily one of my favorite baseball experiences of my life up to this point.”

A Prep Baseball thank you to all that participated and a special thanks to the players on Team Canada that gave their thoughts about the event (including what schools have been in contact with them since Aug. 1):

***** If you were on Team Canada and did not share your thoughts, feel free to email us and we will get them included within this article.

The Prospects

Deagan Barr SS / RHP / St. Anne Catholic, ON / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 8 / POS: 4

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Game experience is something that will be impossible to forget. The highlights were being able to showcase my pitching abilities along with meeting and playing with all the best players around Canada.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I am somewhat satisfied with my performance, but not happy. I have shown more on my fastball and depth and consistency with my off-speed in prior games this season. I started slowly but was able to settle in nicely into a couple of my off-speed offerings as the innings went on. Overall, my performance was good but, really, I am never satisfied.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Canada was absolutely amazing. The PBR Canada staff that was with us and coaching us are all amazing guys. The feeling of representing your country while playing the game you love is an incredible one. This event was easily one of my favorite baseball experiences of my life up to this point.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition at the event was great. Every hitter was dangerous, and every pitcher was talented. It is inspiring to see such similar uncommitted baseball players, and it only makes me want to work harder.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I am confident that participating in the Future Games will help me in the future. Pitching in front of the eyes of world-class colleges is an unreal feeling. It’s a really big stage and this event will help me be even more prepared for similar stages in the future. 

Austin Blair OF / RHP / St Andrews Regional, BC / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 3 / POS: 1

Will update when a response is received.

Ramsey Chung SS / RHP / Our Lady of Mount Carmel, ON / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 6 / POS: 3

Will update when a response is received.

Jalen Jacob 1B / 3B / St. Joan of Arc, ON / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 1 / POS: 1

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My favourite moments from the event were my hits, particularly my double in the last game. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
Throughout the week, I felt that I performed quite well at the plate, going 3/5 with two walks and displaying a solid approach while picking many balls at first base.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Canada was an incredible experience. The two things that most impressed me about this event were the level of talent and the number of coaches. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The high skill level created a highly competitive atmosphere.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It's an excellent way to show coaches what kind of potential you have. Therefore, I think taking part in this event will really help when it comes time to choose a school later on.

Oscar Johnson RHP / 1B / Centennial, ON / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 3

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were just meeting new players around the country on my team and playing on these amazing diamonds.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I felt that my performance was decent. My velocity was down a bit which made it easier on the hitters, but my command was good and I got outs.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Playing for Team Canada is awesome because you are representing a whole country meeting new people and new styles of play across the whole country. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition at the Future Games is very high. Playing against some of the top uncommitted athletes in the countries of America and Canada is big. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
In my view, participating in the Future Games is a great way to get your name out there. If you put on a show or have something special in your talents you could get recruited. Also, just the experience and the competition at the Future Games is very good, which can help get you comfortable playing the game at the next level.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
After Aug. 1st I got in contact with Ryan Copeland, the head coach of Northern Illinois University and also Ross Learnard with Butler baseball.

Easton Kitura 3B / OF / Vauxhall, AB / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 2 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 349 / POS: 24

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights would have to be playing in front of more scouts than I could ever imagine and being able to represent an entire country.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I feel I showed my abilities very well both on the offensive side and defensive side of the ball. I didn’t feel overmatched at all throughout the event which helped lead to my success.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Canada was amazing. Getting to meet and play with new guys was very cool. Just being able to represent our country is something I’ll never forget.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was definitely higher than what I’ve seen in Canada and it was great to be able to play against and see how I matched up against some of the best players in the U.S.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games is something I’d recommended to any Canadian that is given the opportunity. The recognition and interest that you receive is nothing like you would see in Canada.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
I was not in contact with any colleges prior to the event.

Luke Laird SS / 2B / Brookswood Secondary, BC / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 2 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 348 / POS: 84

Will update when a response is received.

Gabriel Larocque C / OF / St. Charles College, ON / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 4 / POS: 1

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Being given the chance to play the game I love in front of so many schools.

PBR: Assess your performance.
Defensively I believe I showcased myself well. Besides my in-game triple off the wall in CF, I don't feel like I displayed all of my offensive abilities.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Being part of Team Canada is an honor as the team is selected from players all over Canada. The talent within Canada is awesome!

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Every pitchers was a #1 or #2 on their own teams as well as the hitters were top-of-the-lineup type of guys for their local or travel teams which made the competition unbelievable.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games helped get me the exposure needed to pursue my goal of playing college baseball. 

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
University of San Francisco.

Elliot Lascelles SS / 3B / Upper Canada College, ON / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 15 / POS: 8

Will update when a response is received.

Alex Machej SS / RHP / Okotoks Dawgs Academy, AB / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 2

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My main Future Games highlight was being able to represent Canada on a large platform. The atmosphere was incredible.

PBR: Assess your performance.
My performance at the plate was humbling but I still felt comfortable against the high-powered American arms compared to Canada. My main tool being my defense was on full display and I felt like that was the best part of my game all tournament. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Being able to play with people all around Canada was awesome. Meeting new players who I’ve only heard of through social media and connecting with them on the field was great.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games allows me to connect with schools who have already seen me play when it comes to my next two years of high school.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Northern Illinois has texted me since August 1st.

Cohen Miller SS / RHP / National Sport School, AB / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 8 / POS: 3

Will update when a response is received.

Brody Murcheson 3B / 2B / Wellington Secondary, BC / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 13 / POS: 2

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
The experience was amazing. The facility was awesome and I got to meet so many new people. Great coaches as well.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I feel like I did well for the competition we faced. It’s different down in the states compared to Canada. The U.S. is on another level. I caught a couple barrels on high velocity and played really solid defense

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
I felt so proud to represent my country. What stood out to me was how we competed hard and fought till the last pitch of the tournament.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was out of this world. The amount of talent in this showcase, especially this age group, is great.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I feel like going to a competitive showcase will better you and make you the best player you can be by playing the top players in your age.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
I was contacted by Ryan Copeland of Northern Illinois University.

Matthew Neufeld RHP / Cardinal Carter, ON / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 5 / POS: 2

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I would say my Future Games highlight was starting out my outing going six up and six down. I felt electric and the adrenaline definitely kicked in. Coming out after that second inning after shutting them down for two straight innings is a memory I will never forget.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought I had a decent performance. I was really happy with how my first two innings went and I definitely struggled a bit in the third, but the only thing going through my head was compete. I did my best to compete and I think that’s one of my best characteristics.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Playing for Team Canada was a crazy experience. I felt so honored. When you are playing and wearing Canada across your jersey, it’s a surreal experience and it’s something you dream of. From being from one province and especially a small town and representing your country playing in front of hundreds of college coaches stands out to anybody and especially me as it has been a dream of mine for a long time.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition at the event is unmatched and it gives us pitchers a fiery edge to compete even better. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in an event with this level of competition and in front of this many coaches can change your future so heavily. All it takes is one school to like you and if that’s the right fit, you can end up playing for a very long time.

Robert Omidi SS / 3B / St. Martin, ON / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 90 / POS: 26

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
The highlights of my experience at the Future Games were the high-quality fields, which made me feel like I was playing at a major league ballpark. But the biggest highlights were definitely being able to represent my country and playing alongside the top players from North America.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I was pleased with how I played, but there is always room for improvement. It was humbling to be around so many great athletes.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
There are so many great players in Canada, so I was honoured to be part of it. I was impressed at how well our team stacked up against the high-level competition.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was great. It helped me raise my personal bar.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It was impressive to see how many colleges were represented at the event. I am grateful to have played in front of them.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Duke, Oregon, Oregon State, Arkansas, Mizzou, Missouri State, Arizona State, South Carolina, South California, and more.

Julian Sabourin RHP / SS / Bishop Tonnos, ON / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 3 / POS: 1

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlight was hitting my PR on my fastball at 92.7.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I was able to work my slider-fastball combo very well recording 5 Ks through 3 innings. I struggled in the third, but finished strong bouncing back from a couple of hits and runs.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
To represent Team Canada was a fantastic opportunity and experience for me. This was one of the best events I've been invited to and to be able to represent my country on my chest was truly surreal.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Playing against the top players in America made me really excited. I love competing and doing it against the best players in the country was great.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Competing in the Futures will be able to help me in the future. The amount of college coaches there was unreal.

Lucas St-Laurent RHP / 2B / Cole secondaire Antoine de Saint-Exupiary, QC / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

Taye Thierman C / RHP / Okotoks Dawgs Academy, AB / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 287 / POS: 24

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My highlights for the Future Games was hitting a triple off the wall against Minnesota the last day of the event.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought my performance was pretty solid. I caught very well the first game and very solid the third game, with a couple miscues. My hitting side of things was pretty good, still a bunch of stuff I can improve on.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Canada is awesome and is an honour just to rep your country at an event like the Future Games.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was awesome. I faced some of the top uncommitted arms in North America and competed with the best players out of Canada.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It can help me in the future just to understand what type of competition is in the United States and can prepare me for any other event I will attend.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Vanderbilt, Oregon, South Carolina, Mizzou, Xavier, Washington State, Tulane, LMU, Northern Illinois, Wright State, Eastern Michigan.

Desmond Tregaskis C / RHP / South Delta Secondary School, BC / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

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