Get ready for an exciting week as the 2026 DREAM Series kicks off, bringing together baseball's brightest stars and future talents! This annual event, now in its ninth year, is a development camp like no other, and it's about to take center stage at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Arizona.
The DREAM Series: A Premier Development Camp for Elite Athletes
Organized in partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) and USA Baseball, the DREAM Series focuses on nurturing a diverse group of exceptional high school athletes. From January 16th to 19th, the Los Angeles Angels' Spring Training site will become a hub of activity, with current and former professional players guiding the next generation of minority pitchers and catchers.
A Four-Day Intensive Experience
Over the course of four days, players will engage in intense workouts, receive top-notch instruction from experienced coaches, attend off-field seminars, and undergo athletic-based testing through the Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) Performance Assessment. This comprehensive evaluation process utilizes cutting-edge technology to assess cognitive skills, processing speed, athletic performance, and on-field talent.
Performance Metrics and Data-Driven Development
All players will be evaluated using metrics gathered from PDP testing and Rapsodo data collection. These metrics will not only help identify standout performances but also provide valuable insights for the MLB Draft and USA Baseball's national team identification process. Athletes will receive personalized player reports, offering a detailed analysis of their strengths and areas for improvement, along with training tools to sustain their development.
Rapsodo Technology: Real-Time Performance Analysis
Rapsodo technology plays a crucial role in providing players and coaches with real-time access to key performance metrics. These include launch angle, exit velocity, and spin rate, offering an objective assessment of players' performance and areas where they can enhance their skills. For pitchers, Rapsodo offers insights into velocity, spin rate, and spin axis, helping them refine their technique.
An All-Star Staff
Leading this event is an impressive group of former big league players, coaches, and managers. The 18-member staff boasts a combined 170-plus seasons of experience at the major league level, including notable figures like 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 strong ties to USA Baseball, having served in coaching or playing capacities for various national teams. LaTroy Hawkins, the current bullpen coach for the Minnesota Twins, played 20 seasons in the pros and served as pitching coach for the 18U National Team in 2023. Mike Scioscia, a three-time World Series champion and longtime manager of the Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels, has managed Team USA on multiple occasions, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2024 Premier12 tournament.
International Experience and Top Talent
The DREAM Series attracts a diverse range of talent, including six players who have represented the United States in international competitions. Samir Mohammed and Taytum Reeves competed with the 15U National Team in the Dominican Republic in 2023, while Dexter McCleon Jr., a 15U alum, played against Australia in 2024. Tristin Gaines, a two-time gold medalist, will make his first DREAM Series appearance after playing for the 2025 15U National Team. Additionally, world champions Paris Head and Anthony Murphy, alumni of the 12U and 18U National Teams, respectively, will be in attendance.
Many of the athletes have already committed to some of the top baseball programs in the nation. Out of the 80 players, 27 have received DI offers and have committed to their respective schools. The Southeastern Conference leads the way with more than half of the commits, followed by Texas Tech, Houston, Miami, TCU, and Vanderbilt.
Returning Stars and a Familiar Face
This weekend also sees the return of three active minor league and major league players who have previously participated in DREAM Series events and gone on to play for USA Baseball national teams. Jo Adell, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, and top Minor League Baseball prospects Termarr Johnson and Braden Montgomery will be back at the event where they first made their mark. Johnson, a three-time USA Baseball alum, recently competed for Team USA at the 2024 Premier12 tournament, winning a bronze medal under Mike Scioscia. Montgomery, the Chicago White Sox's top prospect, represented the Collegiate National Team in 2023. Adell, who played for the United States in the 2019 Premier12 tournament, returns to Tempe Diablo Stadium, a familiar stomping ground.
For a detailed look at the roster, check out the link provided. To stay updated on the nation's top prospects and the Prospect Development Pipeline, be sure to follow @USABasePipeline on X and Instagram.
