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Fresh off a trip to the Dominican Republic where we saw 150 upside prospects and high-ceiling athletes in the classes of 2026 through 2030, I now find myself in North Carolina at Phase 2 of the USA Baseball 40-man Trials. This is where 40 of the best players in the country are competing for a chance to represent the United States.
Like any event of this caliber, there’s a range of players here — some who clearly project as early draft picks, others who are more likely to head to college and keep developing. But in USA Baseball’s eyes, everyone on this roster has the chance to help win a gold medal, and that’s the mission.
The event is well attended. Scouts are here in force, including scouting directors and special assignment evaluators, making this a high-caliber environment. On the field, there’s a healthy mix of Future Stars Series alumni and players who have not yet come through our pipeline. You’ve got athletes, toolsy guys, polish, projection, big arms, strike throwers, and some role-question players who’ll need to sort out how they fit long-term.
With that in mind, six players stood out on Day 1, three on the mound and three at the plate — all are 2026s.
On the Mound
Cooper Harris, RHP — Dallas, TX
6-foot-3, 205 pounds with a true starter’s package. Power fastball at 94–95 mph, with room for more by next year’s draft. He mixes in a power breaking ball and a usable changeup. The strike-throwing foundation is there, though his tempo sometimes causes his delivery to get out of sync. The upside projects cleanly as a starter. Future Stars Series alum and member.
Trey Rangel, RHP — Irving, TX
Maybe the best pure stuff in the class. Sitting 96–98 with a loose, whippy arm and a power breaker that works in and out of the zone. His fastball isn’t straight; natural run, cut, and manipulation give it life. Former two-way athlete and shortstop, now firmly on the mound. The profile reminds me a bit of Lance McCullers Jr.: starter traits, but potentially better suited long-term for the bullpen. Either way, it’s big-league stuff. Future Stars Series alum and member.
Brody Crane, RHP — Neosho, MO
Another Future Stars Series product. Working 96–97 with an average-plus breaking ball (50–55) and a developing changeup. Strike thrower who may ultimately profile as a reliever, but for now you run him out as a starter and see where it settles. Physically reminiscent of Jaret Wright, with the power arsenal to match.
At the Plate
Grady Emerson, 3B — Argyle, TX
Comparable to Corey Seager. All-fields power, consistent barrel, and he’ll always have some swing-and-miss because he drives the baseball with authority. Projection frame, strong arm, and instincts at third base where he should stick and potentially be plus. You can hang 60s across hit, power, arm, glove, and run. It’s a first-round type profile for 2026.
Cole Prosek, IF/OF — Senatobia, MS
Had quality at-bats, even without results. Left-handed bat with gap-to-gap ability, and he can turn on pitches for pull-side power. Plays multiple spots — LF, 2B, SS, 3B — and fits the “anywhere USA needs him” type mold. Future Stars Series alum and member.
Brody Schumacher, INF/OF — Ladera Ranch, California
Bloodlines show. He runs, stays on the baseball, uses the whole field. First at-bat he handled 93 mph above the letters, staying on top for a single to left. Later, he made a highlight play at first base — snatching a tough glove-side hop while leaving his feet, sealing the game and energizing the crowd. A player with clear instincts and competitiveness.
Day one brought strong impressions—especially from these six, all three hitters being left-handed bats. Tomorrow, we’ll dig into more names as the 18U USA Baseball Trials continue, with the roster ultimately being trimmed to the group that will travel to Japan in pursuit of a gold medal.
- BOOTH: 6 Standouts at USA Baseball 40-Man Trials - August 24, 2025
- MLB Draft Combine: Tools, comps, and future stars - July 3, 2025
- JUNE: Four countries, 13 cities, and a whole lot of baseball - July 2, 2025
