Jason Amalbert: A Rising Star Shines in Center Field

Jason Amalbert: The Baseball Prodigy

At just 18 years old, DePaul Catholic's Jason Amalbert has captured the attention of MLB scouts and baseball enthusiasts alike. Known for his prowess as a Division I shortstop prospect since his freshman year, Amalbert is now making a significant shift to center field, a decision that could dramatically impact his draft stock this summer.

As a senior and Oklahoma commit, he stands out among his peers. "I've always thought I could play center field; my athleticism shines in the middle of the field," Amalbert expressed, displaying both confidence and humility that fans can appreciate.

“I thought the projection [for him] was always in the outfield,” said DePaul coach Joe Gambardella, reflecting on Amalbert's adaptability and potential.

Leadership in Transition

Amalbert's transition to center is not merely a positional change; it's a testament to his team-first mentality. Being part of a talented infield alongside other Division I prospects, Amalbert recognizes the importance of versatility and the necessity of contributing in whatever capacity serves the team best.

DePaul opened the season strong with a record of 16-3, showcasing the depth of their roster and the collective talent. Their recent success speaks volumes about the team's cohesion. "Our middle guys hold it down pretty well, and having me in the outfield helps the team tremendously," Amalbert said, underlining his commitment to team success over personal accolades.

A Young Baseball 'Lifer'

With an impressive batting average of .450 and 31 runs scored through 19 games, Amalbert's offensive contributions have been invaluable. His journey into baseball is heartwarming: "I was maybe like 2 years old when my parents got me into the backyard, just throwing the Wiffle ball around. I started whacking them things!" This began a journey that has seen him develop into an all-around player and a budding baseball star.

On The Radar

Amalbert's shift to center field comes at a critical juncture, especially following a successful showcase last fall in California. “It started really heating up after the Area Code Games. Even with a foot injury setback, all the meetings I had with pro teams were a really cool experience,” he said.

As he prepares for the MLB Draft scheduled for July 11-12, Amalbert enters as one of the top 150 prospects, according to MLB.com. This recognition feels surreal for the young athlete: "Seeing that was, obviously, really surreal. Trying to eventually make it to the major leagues is an ultimate goal of mine," he added, revealing his dedication and dreams.

The Immediate Future

DePaul has reached the Passaic County finals multiple times under coach Gambardella's guidance, falling short each time to Passaic Tech. This time, Amalbert and his fellow seniors aim for redemption. "We have great seniors and great captains. This is about this program, and that's why we've come together so quickly," Gambardella said.

As Amalbert approaching his final games as a high school player, he understands the weight of leadership and what it means to carry a legacy forward: "Now I just have to keep going step by step, day by day, and focus on taking my game to the next level." With ambitions sky-high, Amalbert is undoubtedly a talent to watch.