USA Baseball Unveils Top 72 Talents for 2026: A Showcase of America's Finest Young Athletes

Recognizing Future Stars: A Year in the Making

CARY, N.C. – October 11, 2025 – USA Baseball today announced the 72 exceptional athletes handpicked from the 2025 National Team Identification Series (NTIS) as prominent members of the 2026 national team. These burgeoning talents were uncovered following the NTIS Champions Cup, staged over several weeks at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.

A Tradition of Excellence

Continuing a time-honored tradition, the Southwest Region emerged victorious at the 2025 NTIS Champions Cup, claiming the championship for an impressive sixth consecutive year. The NTIS represents the pinnacle of player identification within USA Baseball, leveraging a comprehensive evaluation system that spans six regions across the United States.

The Rigorous Path to Selection

Under the guidance of the esteemed USA Baseball Task Force and national team coaches, more than 1,200 elite players took to the field in a series of tournament-style games, coupled with extensive skills testing and evaluation. According to USA Baseball, this methodical process assures that only the most promising talents emerge for national representation.

Bridging Dreams to Reality

From California to Florida, and Texas to North Carolina, the selected athletes embody a mosaic of talent and aspiration, unified by their extraordinary aptitude. Twelve impressive young players from each age group have been invited to participate in a spectrum of national team programming in 2026, ranging from the 12U National Team Training Camp to the 16U/17U National Team Development Program.

A Tapestry of Talent and Dedication

Reflecting on the accomplishments, USA Baseball Assistant Director of Baseball Operations, Jeff Feltman, remarked, “Selecting only 72 was a daunting task amid such talent and passion that were prominently displayed.”

Facts and Figures That Speak for Themselves

With 16 players emanating from the sunny shores of California, the state’s dominance was reflected yet again. Florida and Texas followed closely, contributing 10 and nine athletes, respectively. These selections represent the collective aspirations and achievements of young players from a total of 27 states across all six regions in the U.S.

Spotlight on the Young Innovators of Tomorrow

As these determined athletes lace their cleats for the 2026 programming, USA Baseball eagerly anticipates their march toward future triumphs, carrying the torch for the golden standard of American baseball. This prestigious accolade is more than just an honor; it’s a defining moment in every selected athlete’s burgeoning career.

These selections will serve as the foundation for fostering and nurturing the next generation of baseball excellence in America, providing an unparalleled opportunity for these dedicated athletes to hone their skills and compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Embark on this journey of talent, determination, and teamwork as these athletes gear up for the 2026 season, showcasing the spirit of America’s pastimes and the potential of its rising stars.