{"id":666526,"date":"2026-05-13T11:11:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T11:11:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/666526\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T11:11:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T11:11:26","slug":"north-jersey-baseball-star-boosting-mlb-draft-stock-at-new-position","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/666526\/","title":{"rendered":"North Jersey baseball star boosting MLB Draft stock at new position"},"content":{"rendered":"

1 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Passaic Tech junior Randis Rosario (4) celebrates after hitting a home run in a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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1 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Passaic Tech junior Randis Rosario (4) celebrates after hitting a home run in a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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2 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Aiden Ogando (3) dodges the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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3 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

The Passaic Tech Bulldogs cheer during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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4 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Aiden Ogando (3) hits the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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5 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Christopher Marano (13) pitches during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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6 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Passaic Tech junior Jackson Burger (15) looks on during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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7 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

The DePaul Spartans cheer during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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8 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

The Passaic Tech Bulldogs cheer during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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9 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Passaic Tech junior Jackson Burger (15) pitches during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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10 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul freshman Jackson Toland (18) runs to home plate during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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11 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Christopher Marano (13) looks on during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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12 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Passaic Tech senior Melvin Genao (6) reacts during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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13 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Aiden Ogando (3) slides into second base as Passaic Tech senior Melvin Genao (6) defends during a game at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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14 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Passaic Tech senior Mickey Gilligan (12) tags DePaul senior J.C. Pacheco (9) at home plate during a game at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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15 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Bryan Gonzalez (11) signals during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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16 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Passaic Tech junior Jackson Burger (15) looks on during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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17 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Erick Pinales (17) attempts to catch the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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18 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Passaic Tech head coach Robert Nutile looks on during a game between the DePaul Spartans and the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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19 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

The Passaic Tech Bulldogs cheer during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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20 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Erick Pinales (17) throws the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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21 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Passaic Tech senior Jack Gilligan (18) pitches the ball during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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22 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Jason Amalbert (1) celebrates during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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23 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul head coach Joe Gambardella looks on during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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24 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Passaic Tech senior Jack Gilligan (18) looks on during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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25 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Erick Pinales (17) celebrates during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

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26 \/ 26<\/p>\n

DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos<\/p>\n

Birds fly over a game between the DePaul Spartans and the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

Jason Amalbert has been a Division I shortstop prospect since his freshman baseball season at DePaul Catholic.<\/p>\n

Now a senior, the Oklahoma commit is one of three D-I shortstops on the Spartans but the only one who is also a 2026 MLB Draft prospect.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

So, what prompted DePaul coach Joe Gambardella to move Amalbert to center field this spring?<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought the projection [for him] was always in the outfield,\u201d Gambardella said. \u201cI\u2019ve talked to major-league scouts that give him, like, a George Springer<\/a> comp[arison], which is kind of cool. I just think his athleticism plays in the middle of the field.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DePaul<\/p>\n

DePaul senior Jason Amalbert (1) celebrates during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.<\/p>\n

The 2025 DePaul infield featured Amalbert at third, J.C. Pacheco (Arizona State) at shortstop and Aiden Ogando (James Madison) at second base in most games when Amalbert was not pitching. Yes, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-hander does that, too.<\/p>\n

As for the move to the outfield, \u201cI think it was just a good chance for me to be seen at every position,\u201d Amalbert said. \u201cOur middle guys hold it down pretty well, with Aiden and J.C. And having me in the outfield, being in that as my primary position really helps the team a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

The results bear that out. DePaul opened this season 16-3, earning the No. 1 seed in the Passaic County Tournament and advancing to the May 16 semifinals against Pompton Lakes.<\/p>\n

A young baseball ‘lifer’<\/p>\n

Amalbert batted .450 with 30 runs batted in and 31 runs scored through 19 games. Since being named to the All-North Jersey first team as a sophomore, he has increased his home run total from seven (2024) to nine (2025) to 10.<\/p>\n

That all tracks with his training \u2013 which, for the 18-year-old, has been ongoing the past (wait for it) 16 years.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was maybe like 2 years old when my parents got me into the backyard, just throwing the Wiffle ball around,\u201d Amalbert said. \u201cI\u2019d play with my cousins and just started whacking them things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DePaul<\/p>\n

DePaul pitcher Jason Amalbert (1) pitches the ball in a game against the Passaic Valley Hornets at Passaic Valley High School, Apr 24, 2025, Little Falls, New Jersey, United States. Yannick Peterhans\/NorthJersey.com<\/p>\n

His mom, Adria, grew up playing soccer, softball and basketball, while his father, Joe, is in the Garfield Athletic Hall of Fame as a football\/basketball player (Class of 2000). So the athletic genes are there.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Growing up in East Hanover, \u201cI didn\u2019t really have a trainer, it was just [Joe] in the front yard or in the backyard throwing with me every day,\u201d Amalbert said. \u201cOnce I really started to get older, I\u2019d say around 9-10 years old, he encouraged me to go see someone. And I\u2019ve been going to the same guy, Jimmy Shepherd, since.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the radar<\/p>\n

His draft stock got a boost from a showcase in California last fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt started really heating up after the Area Code Games,\u201d he said. \u201cEven though I had kind of a minor setback with a foot injury, just going into all the meetings I did in the offseason with the pro teams was a really cool thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DePaul<\/p>\n

DePaul pitcher Jason Amalbert (1) pitches the ball in a game against the Passaic Valley Hornets at Passaic Valley High School, Apr 24, 2025, Little Falls, New Jersey, United States. Yannick Peterhans\/NorthJersey.com<\/p>\n

Amalbert will go into the July 11-12 MLB Draft as one of the Top 150 prospects, according to MLB.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

\u201cSeeing that was, obviously, really surreal,\u201d he said. \u201cTrying to eventually make it to the major leagues is an ultimate goal of mine. It\u2019s just so cool to see that I\u2019m finally living out this dream that I\u2019ve always had.\u201d<\/p>\n

Of course, he hopes to come out of the latter rounds of the county and state tournaments with some hardware. That\u2019s why he added, \u201cNow, I just have to keep going step by step, day by day, and not focus on anything too big.\u201d<\/p>\n

The immediate future<\/p>\n

DePaul has reached the Passaic County final twice in three years but fell to Passaic Tech both times. Amalbert, Pacheco and fellow captains Christopher Marano (Stetson) and Jayden Marte (Misericordia) want to make the most of their final opportunity.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have great seniors and great captains,\u201d Gambardella said. \u201cThey are very selfless \u2013 this is about this program, and I think that\u2019s the reason we\u2019ve come together so quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although this is Gambardella\u2019s first year at DePaul, he coached three sectional-title teams at Ridgefield (2012, 2014, 2015) and was an assistant with Pascack Hills for two state titles (2018-19).<\/p>\n

\u201c[Amalbert] is probably the best I ever coached,\u201d Gambardella said. \u201cAnd I had Luis Hidalgo [at Ridgefield], who was a North Jersey Player of the Year. I had Ryan Ramsey [at Pascack Hills], who\u2019s with the Royals organization. But, all-around baseball player, versatility, five-tool \u2013 Jason is probably the best one I\u2019ve ever coached.\u201d<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Jason Amalbert of DePaul NJ boosting MLB Draft stock in outfield<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"1 \/ 26 DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos Passaic Tech junior Randis Rosario…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":666527,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[435],"tags":[245849,49,48,245846,245847,7206,245848,245845,462,145513,82],"class_list":["post-666526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mlb","tag-aiden-ogando","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-depaul-catholic","tag-gambardella","tag-george-springer","tag-jason-amalbert","tag-joe-gambardella","tag-mlb","tag-mlb-draft","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/666526","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=666526"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/666526\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/666527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=666526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=666526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=666526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}