Get ready for an exciting preview of the 2026 DREAM Series, a premier development camp that's about to take center stage at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Arizona! But here's where it gets controversial... While some might argue that the event is all about baseball, we're here to dive deeper into the impact it has on minority athletes and the innovative ways it's shaping the future of the sport. So, fasten your seatbelts as we explore the details of this groundbreaking initiative.
The DREAM Series: A Premier Development Camp
The ninth annual DREAM Series is set to kick off this week, bringing together a diverse group of elite high school athletes for a transformative experience. In partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) and USA Baseball, the camp focuses on developing the next generation of minority pitchers and catchers. From January 16-19, current and former professional players will be in attendance, offering their expertise and guidance to these young talents.
Performance Testing and Metric Tracking
One of the key aspects of the DREAM Series is its emphasis on performance testing and metric tracking. Prior to the camp, players undergo a comprehensive PDP Performance Assessment, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to measure cognitive skills, speed of processing, athletic performance, and on-field talent. This data is then shared with the 30 MLB Clubs and USA Baseball for national team identification, providing valuable insights into the players' strengths and areas for improvement.
On-field performance is further enhanced through Rapsodo technology, offering real-time access to key metrics such as launch angle, exit velocity, and spin rate. This technology provides players and coaches with objective results and areas for improvement, allowing them to refine their skills and elevate their game.
Star-Studded Staff
Leading the event is an experienced group of former big league players, coaches, and managers. With a combined 170-plus seasons of experience, the 18-member staff brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Notable figures include 17-year MLB veteran and 1995 World Series champion Marquis Grissom, longtime coach and 2019 World Series winner Mike Harkey, and 20-year professional Darren Oliver.
Several coaches also have ties to USA Baseball, either as coaches or players. Current bullpen coach for the Minnesota Twins, LaTroy Hawkins, played 20 seasons in the pros and served as pitching coach for the 18U National Team in 2023. Three-time World Series champion and longtime manager of the Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels Mike Scioscia has managed Team USA on three occasions, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2024 Premier12 tournament.
Stars and Stripes in the Desert
In attendance this week are six players who have previously represented the United States in international competition. Samir Mohammed and Taytum Reeves competed with the 15U National Team in the Dominican Republic in 2023, while 15U alum Dexter McCleon Jr. played in a five-game series against Australia in 2024. Two-time gold medalist Tristin Gaines will be making his first DREAM Series appearance after most recently playing for the 2025 15U National Team.
Additionally, two world champions will be participating, as 12U National Team alum Paris Head and 18U National Team alum Anthony Murphy will both be on site. Head hit .350 and posted a 1.89 ERA in the 2023 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan, while Murphy started all nine games for the U.S. in its gold-medal run this past summer at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Japan.
Top Talent
The event features no shortage of talent, with numerous athletes committed to some of the top programs in the nation. Of the 80 players in attendance, 27 earned DI offers and have committed to their respective schools. More than half of those commits (14) are headed to Southeastern Conference programs, led by LSU’s four commitments. Texas Tech ranks second among all schools with three, while Houston, Miami, TCU, and Vanderbilt each have two future players participating.
Coming Full Circle
Also making appearances this weekend are three active minor league and major league players who have participated in previous DREAM Series events and gone on to play for a USA Baseball national team. Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell and Minor League Baseball top prospects Termarr Johnson and Braden Montgomery will be returning to the event they have previously played in.
Three-time USA Baseball alum Johnson most recently competed for Team USA at the 2024 Premier12 tournament and won a bronze medal under Scioscia. Montgomery, the Chicago White Sox’s top prospect, donned the stars and stripes in 2023 for the Collegiate National Team. Adell, who represented the United States in the 2019 Premier12 tournament, will be returning to familiar territory this weekend at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Stay Tuned for More!
To follow along with everything regarding the nation’s top prospects and the Prospect Development Pipeline, be sure to follow @USABasePipeline on X and Instagram. And don't forget to tune in LIVE on January 16th to witness the action unfold! But here's the real question: Are you ready to see how the top athletes in the nation stack up against each other? We can't wait to see what unfolds at the DREAM Series!
