Fitzpatrick: Toronto Mets' Lascelles hopes to follow Tong and Hicks to big leagues
Toronto Mets and Junior National Team infielder Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) is playing in his second Canadian Futures Showcase. Photo: Blue Jays Academy
September 16, 2025
By Trevor Fitzpatrick
Canadian Baseball Network
Earlier this MLB season, two Toronto Mets alumni clashed when right-hander Jonah Tong (Markham, Ont.), of the New York Mets, faced Miami Marlins catcher Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.).
Tong came out on top with a strikeout, but either way, the Toronto Mets won. Two of their alumni just did battle on the biggest stage of them all.
This year, nine more Mets look to become the next Tong or Hicks by getting eyes on them at the Canadian Futures Showcase.
Headlining the group is Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.), playing in his second Futures Showcase.
At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, the shortstop has already achieved a lot in his young career. He’s played for the Junior National Team and is projected by the Canadian Baseball Network to be the sixth-best Canadian available in the 2026 MLB draft.
“I’m really honoured to be selected to the Showcase again,” said Lascelles. "Everyone on the Mets was really excited for Jonah and Liam earlier this year, that was really cool to see just how close some of us are to playing out our dreams of pro ball.”
Swinging from the left side of the plate, a solid performance at the Showcase would be the cherry on top of an excellent recruiting year.
Between his performances with the Toronto Mets and the 2025 Perfect Game National Showcase, he’s been rated a 9.5 on Perfect Game’s prospect scale. That means he’s a “potential top 10 round draft pick and/or highest level college prospect.”
Toronto Mets infielder Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) has also played for the Junior National Team. Photo: Baseball Canada
In his own words, Lascelles describes himself as a contact hitter – a skillset that’s becoming increasingly rare as the big leagues place more emphasis on the home run ball.
“In the past year, I’ve liked Jacob Wilson. He’s got a unique skillset, just hits everything for good average, so I’ve tried to learn from him,” explained Lascelles, “also guys like Bobby Witt Jr. who’s an all-around good shortstop.”
Of course, the path to playing college ball is a long and tough one. One that would be impossible without the right mentors to guide the way.
“The Mets have obviously done a lot for me, so I have to thank Rich Leitch and Ryan McBride, and then all of my Leaside coaches as well.”
Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) fielding his position with the Toronto Mets. Photo: Toronto Mets
Lascelles’ Team Red will play their first game of the Showcase at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday against Team New Blue.
His coach Leitch will also be at the Showcase, coaching Team Royal. Their first game goes at 9:00 p.m. against Team Navy. Team Red and Team Royal unfortunately won’t play each other during the tournament.
This year, team play matters more than ever, as the event has switched from an all-star game on the final day to a championship game. Lascelles’ contact focused bat could be key in getting his Team Red there.