USA 18U Trials: Impact Position Players
July 31, 2026
The 2027 class continues to separate itself as one of the deepest and most dynamic groups of position players in recent memory, and the USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials only reinforced that sentiment. Bringing together many of the nation's premier prospects on one field, the event served as an invaluable checkpoint in the evolution of a class that has already generated significant attention from both the college and professional scouting communities.
The strength of the group begins up the middle, where an exceptional collection of shortstops rivals the heralded 2025 class in both depth and overall talent. Athleticism, defensive versatility, twitch, and advanced offensive polish were on full display throughout the week, while several players further cemented themselves as true impact prospects capable of sticking at premium positions. Beyond the infield, the class boasts an impressive blend of physical power bats, legitimate two-way talents, and a wave of athletic outfielders whose combination of tools and upside has them trending toward first-round conversations for the 2027 MLB Draft.
For MLB organizations, the next 12 months will be spent narrowing a remarkably talented board, while the nation's top college programs continue to battle for commitments from a group that projects to shape the future of amateur baseball. Below is Prep Baseball Vice President of Scouting Shooter Hunt's look at the 20 position players who delivered the most impactful evaluations during USA Baseball's 18U National Team Trials.
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Dylan Seward SS / 2B / Norco High, CA / 2027Stacking days and performances, any director or scout that was getting a first introduction to the Seward Show did not leave disappointed. Commanding the attention of the #1 prospect in the class, Seward hardly shied away from the spotlight and continued to display his five-tool status and collected a multitude of hits in game play including a loud home run from the right side. Having set the tools at peak status, the scouting of Seward has moved far beyond the raw data. He displayed a comfort in being heralded, but a killer instinct that allowed him to hover above the rest of the players in attendance, including many that will follow on this list as future first round picks. The most memorable moment of the event came in a left-handed at-bat against his current high school teammate, RHP Jordan Ayala, who was pumping in fastballs at 95-97 with a vicious slider in the upper 80s. Seward worked the count full before nearly taking Ayala’s head off with a line drive single. He then proceeded to straight steal home as it felt that the entire field, including the coaching staffs were left with gaping mouths as to the excitement that the SoCal native brings to the diamond. In short, Seward was not in attendance to compete with the best in the class, he was there to cement his alpha-status, and that is exactly what he did.
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Sebastian Castillo SS / 3B / Byron Nelson, TX / 2027The doubters are sure to come for Castillo being that he is less immediately appealing in uniform at a more compact 6-foot, 195-pounds, but if his performance at the trials is any indication of the next year, those doubters are set to promptly turn into his biggest fans. A highest IQ player who comes equipped with a plethora of tools, Castillo’s biggest impact came via the hit-tool as he nearly notched double-digits in that column while facing some of the top arms in the class. Even on days where he did not appear to be seeing the ball well (Day 1), he still managed to battle deep in counts, covering the plate with ease, and stacking up hits (3 on that day). Getting on plane early from the right side his strong hands and forearms provide advanced bat speed, and the swing-decisions and zone discipline were evident with each long at-bat. Castillo drove the ball from gap-to-gap, and his two strike approach stood out as the best of any player at the event. There was less defensive evaluations in Cary, but it should be noted that the Dallas native is an elite defender with a plus arm that also touched the mound in the low-90s with a sharp slider. A consummate winner who is equal parts “ballplayer” and “pristine prospect”, Castillo’s case for being a first rounder got off to a great start in the first half of the summer.
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Lubin Rincon SS / 3B / The Bennett School, TX / 2027It felt like Rincon was a loud home run away from the buzz overflowing into Top 10 pick status as he racked up a multitude of hits while displaying a relaxed look from the left side. Patient at the plate, the 6-foot-3, 185-pounder, who has quickly added strength with more to come, exhibited a balanced look with a more direct path and strong bat-to-ball ability. Facing some tough arms, the Texan was on the barrel, and seemed comfortable with two strikes. He slowed things down defensively and played with pace while featuring above average arm strength across. Less twitchy with the hands, the barrel remains in the zone for a long time, and should the power continue to trend up, Rincon has the frame and look of a shortstop version of Riley Greene.
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Malachi Butler SS / 2B / McEachern, GA / 2027The plus-armed, 6-foot-3, 190-pound left-handed hitter encompassed the box in displaying a natural hit-tool with innate tracking capabilities while in Cary. Seemingly in the box for ten pitches in every at-bat, Butler collected a modest number of hits including his loudest: a back side, gap-driven double late in the week. There was some barrel angling that disrupted the path in this look, but that only served to elevate the production that he delivered, and even more so, amplify the potential of what may come to be. Butler did not receive many reps at shortstop (the first four players on this list were all on the same team), but ability to slow things down on that side continue to provide an above average look.
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Grady Grant SS / RHP / Center Grove, IN / 2027If you are looking for the biggest winner from the event in the form of a lesser heralded prospect coming in, Grant was the hands down talk of the scouting community. The wiry-athletic 6-foot, 180-pound left-handed hitter showed off a loose-wristed stroke with a handsier setup that elicited some similarities to Jojo Parker in ‘25. On the barrel throughout batting practice and in game play, the barrel accuracy was enticing, and the only thing that was missing was the strength that will assuredly be added in the near future. Grant’s sure, soft hands provided for an ease of action at shortstop, and the arm played athletically with above average strength across. The foot speed is presently closer to average, but plays up a step with instincts. It was a strong showing for Grant as he kicked in the door to demand attention next to all the other talented shortstops in this class.
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Juan Diaz SS / SS / IMG Academy, FL / 2027Perhaps no other player looks more comfortable against premium arms than the switch-hitting Diaz. The undersized, yet sneaky, strong, 5-foot-10, 180-pounder turned in plus run times down the line while putting away plays at each of the infield positions throughout the week. Twitchy with the hands and getting off swings with controlled aggression in all counts, there was present pull side power with enough exit velocity to pacify analytics departments in looking past his smaller stature. While the arm strength hovers near average, the accuracy and quick release would provide for a send off at shortstop, and he played the premium position adequately in a quick look. Diaz carries an heir of confidence that is alluring and his switch-hitting ability, when combined with a plus-run tool, should have cross-checkers and national guys heading in for multiple looks in the spring.
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Sebastian Wilson OF / IMG Academy, FL / 2027Looking to grab the spot of the top outfielder in the class, Wilson’s case was built on this bat-to-ball look in Cary. The 6-foot, 190-pound toolshed who boasts some of the louder exits and 90% along with 6.4-speed, did not deliver the “mega moment”, but rather displayed a mature, professional approach including the ability to make in-at-bat adjustments. Facing some wicked arms, the left-handed hitter nearly collected double-digit hits in four games, and displayed a willingness to shorten the swing while covering the plate. Batting practice allowed for a look at the potential plus-power that he holds. Tight to the frame in the approach while featuring lag in the zone and thunder in the barrel, Wilson laid a sturdy foundation for a big summer in this look.
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Drake Hawpe OF / RHP / Liberty Christian, TX / 2027While Hawpe’s positional value is not going to capture much attention, the eye-opening hit/power potential stands out as elite. Even more so, the upward trend that those two tools have maintained over the past two years, lends well to the fact that there still might be even more on the way from the 6-foot-4, 210-pound, barrel-chested left-handed slugger. A unique setup sees and almost low, hitchy hands play get to a sturdy launch position before plus-hands and bat speed whip the barrel through the zone with intent to do damage. Hawpe has a freakish ability to cover the plate in an instant, and any testing of his ability to cover the inner-half, no matter the count, is likely to be met with an instinctual crack of the barrel. He drove the ball to all fields in game play, and was pleasantly at home against the highest velocities, both left and right-handed, at the event. In short, Hawpe is one of the highest ceiling hitters in the class, and the adjustments and advancements of the last year have taken his game to new heights.
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Caden Dawson OF / Blessed Trinity Catholic, GA / 2027No player had a better results-driven week as Dawson was seeing beach balls at the plate and getting off aggressive swings in all counts. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound left-handed hitter set up in an athletic crouch with wider elbows loading to a deepish power launch position. Covering the plate with some innate bat-to-ball, he sprayed the field with firm contact and battled deep in counts. After turning in stellar, tough at-bats at the event a year ago, this look provided ample reason to believe that his ability to see the ball is an admirable trait. Getting some looks in center field, he profiles as a corner outfielder with the bat carrying the prospect status. A Georgia prepster with a strong track record of success, Dawson’s performance raised both the floor and ceiling, and there appears to be a similar path to the one taken by Dean Moss in ‘25.
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Joe Mendazona Jr. C / RHP / Central, OR / 2027Featuring one of the sweetest left-handed strokes at the event, Mendazona put together a week that elevated his status from intriguing draft follow to strong Day 1 candidate. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound left-handed hitter generated ground force from a slightly crouched position that saw the hands smoothly rock to a power position before leaning back on balls with an uphill approach. The hit-tool stood out in this look as he was on-the-barrel against some elite arms, and he offered an enticing look in batting practice at some lofted power to the pull side. The defense played more average behind the plate, but still displayed some athleticism and arm strength, and likely ticks up in a hurry with more experience. In valuing the bat over all else, Mendazona positioned himself into the whispered categories of recent prospects like Michael Oliveto and Cole Prosek, and if he continues to explode on the circuit throughout the summer, the whispers of a Joe Mack-esq profile might ultimately be heard.
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Cullen Scott 3B / RHP / Melissa High School, TX / 2028Scott’s pro-ready, Texan frame towered amongst others at the event, even as the sole underclassman. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound wide-shouldered infielder, exhibited an impact barrel from the right side with balls exploding on the barrel in batting practice, and especially in a resounding home run early in the event. Featuring multiple looks including a reverse toe-tap and more spread out look, there was some rawness in the look and approach, but was highly unconcerning given the electricity of the results, and the quality at-bats. He played a solid third base in this look with an obvious plus-arm that doubled on the mound with fastballs running up to 99 mph. The majority of his summer has been spent playing shortstop, and while he ultimately profiles as an impact power-hitting third baseman, he warrants the same send off at shortstop that the Phillies provided for Aidan Miller in ‘23. While his work on the mound and low-effort look would place him in a Tier 1 category, this look was even more enticing as a position player, and were he in the ‘27 class, he would deserve careful consideration as a first round follow.
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Graham Houston SS / 2B / Venice, FL / 2027The 5-foot-11, 175-pound, switch-hitting shortstop closed out the event with a marquee final game that saw him collect both a double and triple in reaffirming a high-level hit-tool. Less impactful and physical, presently, than his shortstop peers, Houston’s bat-to-ball and patient, zone-tracking ability was on full display throughout the event, even if his physically-maturing frame was less equipped for the gauntlet of the North Carolina heat. This will not be an issue in coming years as he fills out, and his ability to impact the game on both sides was a pleasure to follow for the five days. Houston is a dynamic, sure-handed defender with adequate arm strength, and the intangibles only serve to elevate his high-level status in the class.
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Deuce Jenkins OF / Jackson Academy, MS / 2027It was hard not to find similarities between Jenkins’ this year and EJ Booth a year ago at the same event. Both left-handed hitting Magnolia State natives, the eye-opening ease of their impact barrels showed up day after day. Jenkins, less handsy with the load, but featuring the same exciting exit velocities, his sturdy, compactly-strong 6-foot, 215-pound frame was put to good use in driving balls throughout batting practice while taking quality at-bats (with hits!) in game play. Still more, he had the pinnacle outfield defensive moment of the event, quickly drop stepping on a ball hit to the wall in center field that he tracked with the graceful ball skills and route of a future Gold Glover. Likely more of a “sleeper” coming out of the event, look for the buzz surrounding Jenkins to grow in a hurry.
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Caden Borcherding C / 2B / Etowah, GA / 2027Borcherding looked the part of an impact catcher in the class, and combined great at-bats, sneaky power, premium defense, with a high motor. Lean and athletic at 6-foot-1, 190-pounds with natural strength throughout, his above average arm and smooth transfer put balls on the bag right around at 1.9-2.0, and he got off aggressive swings from the right side with a scissoring lower-half. His big moment came early in game play with a loud pull side home run. The prep catching profile has continued to be pushed down in recent years, but Borcherding continued to provide the look of a prospect that, should he get to school, would instantly be set on a path towards the first round.
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Max Hemenway SS / 2B / IMG Academy, FL / 2027A nationally known name since stepping foot in high school, the Washington native and IMG attendee can easily be tossed into a moniker of “prospect fatigue” given his incessant performance in front of the professional community over the years down in Bradenton. Having said that, this look was one that served to cement Hemenway as a Day 1 prospect, and reinvigorated his exciting prospect status. While others rode a roller coaster of ups and downs, the lean, 6-foot, 175-pound left-handed hitter turned in a full array of professional at-bats, getting off excellent swings (and swing decisions) in all counts. Tracking with ease and exhibiting top-of-the-class bat-to-ball capabilities, Hemenway covers the plate with an athletic, quick-handed look, and while the frame is still craving strength, he has a foundational hit-tool and keen eye that will continue to win over the scouting community with each subsequent look. His defensive prowess was less on display in this look, but the advanced internal clock and glove-to-hand ability carry a higher floor than some other prospects in the class. More than anything, Hemenway has a relaxed confidence that is alluring on the diamond, and there is a natural ability to slow things down on both sides that will ultimately lift his status as a quiet favorite of many clubs.
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Kinon Bastian OF / The First Academy, FL / 2027Bastian’s top-of-the-scale bat speed and athleticism combined with a big power grade and true center field look in pushing his status as a must-follow first round prospect. The 6-foot, 190-pound right-handed hitter got off dangerous swings with phonebooth tightness while still presenting impressive residency of the barrel in the zone. There was clearly a big power profile, especially to the pull side, but it was his swing decisions, in this look, that helped elevate his status to new heights. Tracking spin with exciting stop/starts, he looked to do damage in all counts. A gifted defender with a quick first step, Bastian is a must-follow name with a chance to blow up in a big way over the next 12 months.
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Frank Thomas III 1B / OF / IMG Academy, FL / 2027Stacking days with hit after hit, Thomas’ hit-tool stood out in Cary against some of the nation’s premier arms. Continuing to trend up physically, and now an even stronger 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, the left-handed hitter tracked exceptionally well including turning in one of the best at-bats of the event while facing an electric southpaw with plus-slider. Hands held high with a minor leg kick triggering a late coil, there is strength to the turn and a willingness to utilize the whole field with stronger results. At times vertical with the barrel tilt, the pitch recognition and innate barrel accuracy make up for it, and there is an (obvious) chance for considerable pull side power. Outside of Caden Dawson, Thomas saw the ball as good as any other player at the event, and this was a strong foundation to build upon the rest of the summer.
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Trip Ostergard SS / 2B / James Island Charter, SC / 2027No player showed up and showed out with as much purpose as Ostergard, and it was evident from the first day that he was on a mission to not only make the squad, but prove he was the best player in the class. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed hitter played with intense energy at all times, and even when pinch-hitting late on hot days, still mustered up the energy to turn in excellent at bats. Featuring a sturdy base at the plate, the hands load somewhat deeper, but immediately ignite above average bat speed with a semi-uphill path that delivers heavy barrels from gap-to-gap with some present power to the pull side. Equally as energetic on the dirt with a quick first step and strong throwing arm, Ostergard played with a chip on his shoulder at all times, and should not be doubted
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Leo Nockley SS / Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School, PA / 2027Nockley is set to be the most polarizing prospect in this class because of his small 5-foot-8 frame and the fact that his left-handed stick plays like he is 6-foot-3. Featuring a mini-McGonigle look, he somewhat waterfalls a rocking hands load from the ear to a power position where quick hands and strong wrists provide an adjustable, impactful look with aggressive swings getting off in all counts. He saw the ball well in this look, and in spite of the smaller frame, does not need much movement in the box to get off loud barrels. A natural hitter, he exhibited a fringe average defensive look in Cary as a second baseman. Ultimately, Nockley will have to perform at all turns to amplify his draft status, but he has already built a strong portfolio on the circuit in previous years, and this look continued to show the look of a polished hitter.
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Jake Turner OF / LHP / Centennial, NV / 2027The unteachable tools that Turner routinely shows up with was, once again, on display in Cary. At 6-foot-4, 215-pounds with a frame that will add considerable strength in coming years, the two-way prospect is a first round talent on the mound, but impossible to walk away from given his powerful left-handed stroke, Perhaps a bit too deep into a crouched stance in this look, Turner still demonstrated a handsy, heavy barrel that saw him cover the plate with firm contact to all fields. Top-of-the-class raw power with innate ability to loft to the pull side, Turner’s loose-wristed, torque-driven swing has a high-ceiling impact look, even if there is some swing-and-miss present. The analytics of the hand and bat speed stand out, and when combined with the powerful outputs and athleticism that warrants some center field looks, Turner hovers in a Bryce Eldridge/Noah Franco profile.
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