Monica Arcuri signs with top Japanese high school - at just 12 years old!

30 October 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Monica Arcuri signs with top Japanese high school - at just 12 years old!

Monica Arcuri has just secured a baseball opportunity of a lifetime. She’s just 12-years-old.

Monica has officially signed with Kobe Koryo Gakuen High School, the top women’s baseball high school in Japan.

The school caters to students aged 15 to 18 but Monica has been specially accepted into their elite baseball program. She’s the youngest Aussie to sign with a Japanese high school.

There’s an Australian connection to the school. Kobe Koryo played against Queensland earlier this year (2025), winning all their games. They’ll be returning to the Gold Coast this December, where Monica will join their team.

She has committed to a one-year training program in Japan, starting in March 2026.

It is a cherry on top of an incredible year for Monica. She represented Australia with Brisbane North at the Little League World Series (LLWS) while also competing in tournaments with Japanese teams in Tokyo and Melbourne.

Monica became the 24th girl to ever play in the Little League World Series, playing first base and pitching for Brisbane North.

“We couldn’t be prouder,” says Rodrigo Arcuri, Monica’s father. “It’s an unbelievable milestone. This wouldn’t be possible if she didn’t have the best training and support of the Narangba Demons Baseball Club, Brisbane North Baseball and Brisbane Bandits pitching coaches. We couldn’t be prouder of her dedication, passion, and
courage to chase her dream on the international stage.”

Monica leaves with her family in February where she will train six days a week.

Congrats, Monica! The whole community is so proud.

29 October 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

College Baseball Community

Team Australia U18 infielder commits to JUCO powerhouse Weatherford College

There aren’t many better junior college baseball programs than what you’ll find at Weatherford College.

Victorian national champion and Team Australia U18 infielder Will Hardy is about to be apart of it.

“I’m honoured,” says a pride filled Hardy, a product of Newport Baseball Club. “Thank you to Coach Kinzy and the Weatherford coaching staff for this opportunity. I look forward to getting on campus and playing for you.”

The Texas-based junior college has turned into a bit of a wagon.

Over the past three seasons, the Weatherford Coyotes boast a record of 146-39 (.789 win percentage). They’ve won the last three conference championships and ripped off win streaks of 20 games.

“They’re a top three to five program in the country in arguably the toughest conference and region,” says Baseball Australia’s Player Development Manager Andrew Riddell.

The program has been instrumental in developing Major Leaguers like Jake Arrieta and Ryan Brasier.

Now, the Coyotes will play a role in Hardy’s development.

The Newport Rams 18-year-old infielder largely parks himself at third base and short stop – a role he has played in the last 12 months with Victoria at the Australian Youth Championships, Team Australia at the 2025 U18 World Cup, on the MLB International Team and currently with the Melbourne Aces in Korea.

Hardy possesses strong speed, high-end defense and excellent bat-to-ball skills.

That was on display in Okinawa at the U18 World Cup in September. Hardy hit .346 with six RBI and two stolen bases in eight games.

“He was one of our best and most influential players,” said U18 national team coach Jason Pospishil after the tournament.

Hardy says he is looking to improve his overall game at college.

“I plan on getting bigger, stronger, faster and taking my game to the next level,” he says. “I’m looking to improve my power but overall my entire game.”

Riddell says Hardy is proof of what hard-work, an understanding of self-reflection and awareness looks like.

“He missed out on selection in 2024 for the Team Australia U17 trip to Fort Myers and went back home and put a plan in place with the help of Damian Shanahan and Kelii Zablan at Baseball Victoria to work on his swing, speed, strength, and athleticism and worked hard at it every day,” says Riddell. “We were able to see that progression in-game with his performance in January at AYC and it continued throughout 2025 at our national selection camp, the U18 World Cup & the MLB trip.”

Off the back of the MLB trip, Riddell travelled to Texas to meet with some of the current Australian college players. A conversation with the Weatherford staff about Will, the player, and the person he is occurred.

After a few zoom calls between Weatherford and Hardy, an opportunity popped up.

“The relationship with the Weatherford staff and Baseball Australia continues to be strong after Bjay Cooke had committed and now Will is now another part of that,” says Riddell. “He and his family were ecstatic with the developmental focus of the program and the conversations with the coaching staff and saw it as a no-brainer when the full-ride scholarship was offered.”

Hardy now has an opportunity at the current third ranked program in the country to take his game to the next level and turn the heads of Division 1 recruiting coordinators and professional scouts in the hardest conference and region in junior college baseball.

“We’ve seen it happen now with multiple hitters from the national U18 program the last few years and we can’t wait to see the name he makes for himself at Weatherford and beyond,” says Riddell.

It’s not lost on Hardy who helped him reach this point – it’s his community.

“Every single player and coach who has been part of my journey I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.”

He starts with his immediate family.

“My parents have been massive in my journey, they have sacrificed so much time over the years for me. My dad has played over 600 games and is still playing. I’ve being going to his games for as long as I can remember,” says Hardy. “I was the bat boy of the first grade team for five years and learnt a lot just sitting there watching. My Dad, Uncle, Nan, Pop and Great Uncle are life members at Williamstown baseball runs in my family.”

He also says the baseball community was supportive in his journey, crediting the Performance Pathways Program at Baseball Victoria led by Damien Shanahan and Kelli Zablan as well as his coaches at Newport.

“The coaching staff worked with me over the past four years and got the best of me. They made me into the player I am today,” he says. “Sean Arnott was my first senior first grade coach at Newport and he gave me confidence at a young age that I could compete at a high level. I’ve also been lucky to play at North Balwyn under Neil Burke for the past two seasons. To play with some of the Melbourne Aces guys to refine the little things about my game has [also helped].”

Congratulations, Will! We will be following with great interest.

Choose Baseball - 2026 Sporting Schools Term 1 Bookings Now Open

Sporting Schools bookings for Term 1, 2026 are now open and we are calling all schools to get involved with baseball next year.

Baseball has a rich history in Australia, having been played in this country since the 1850s.

Ranked in the top ten of the World Rankings, baseball in Australia continues to grow.

Participating in baseball has increased by 11% in the last two seasons to over 34,000 registered members in 2024-25.

The sport is fun, family-friendly and its strength lies in the power of a tight knit community.

You can join the family too at your local school.

How is baseball played through Sporting Schools?

Baseball Australia introduces students to baseball through two Sporting Schools programs:

– Baseball5 is a new fast-paced, urban version, of the game requiring no dedicated infrastructure and only requiring a ball.

– Aussie T-Ball is a modified version of baseball designed to introduce students of all abilities to the game.

Both programs teach the four fundamental skills of baseball – throwing, catching, running and striking – in a safe, fun, non-contact environment. The modified versions of the game ensure students have greater game involvement that builds social, mental and physical development.

What is Sporting Schools?

Sporting Schools is an Australian government initiative designed to provide funding to help schools increase children participation and connect them with community sport opportunities.

Research shows that quality sport and physical activity in schools has a positive influence on children’s confidence, competence and motivation to be active at school and throughout their life.

Sporting Schools fosters partnerships between basketball associations and schools to promote involvement in sport outside of school.

Designed for primary students and those in Years 7 and 8 as a free at the point of delivery program.

Sporting Schools provides teacher-led formats along with high-quality resources to empower educators in delivering effective sports programs not only building capability in the coach workforce through funding of coach delivered programs but also supporting students in building a foundation for lifelong engagement in physical activity and sport.

There is a funding component to assist eligible primary schools with additional delivery costs due to location or students with disability.

Sporting Schools is a program associated with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). Baseball Australia thanks the ASC for their support of baseball in this country.

Get Involved

We invite all schools to get involved with one of Australia’s greatest sporting communities and see both females and males and choose the Sporting Schools ‘Baseball’ program for Term 1, 2026.

To ‘choose baseball’ click the link below.

CHOOSE BASEBALL

For further information or enquiries about the Sporting Schools initiative, please contact Baseball Australia’s participation manager Mel Achten.

melissa.achten@baseball.com.au

22 October 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Community

Former BA president Ron Finlay recognised with WBSC Order of the Golden Diamond Award

Baseball Australia Life Member and former President Ron Finlay has been recognised with one of international baseball’s highest honours — the WBSC Order of the Golden Diamond Award.

Presented by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), the award celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the global growth and governance of baseball and softball.

Ron continues to serve the game as a the WBSC Chair of the Legal Commission, following decades of leadership in Australian and international baseball.

Congratulations, Ron — an incredible recognition of a lifetime dedicated to the sport.

Ron’s life membership notes from Baseball Australia are below:

———-

Ron Finlay has cemented himself as an integral part of the Australian and International baseball community by applying his formidable intellect and considerable Board and legal experience to benefit the sport he loves.

Ron joined the ABF Board in 1999 and was appointed by his peers as President in 2001. After 14 years on the Board, and after announcing his retirement this morning, Ron can be proud of the legacy that he has left the sport of Baseball.

During his five year tenure as President and 14 years as a director, Ron was instrumental in building and fostering relationships with the International Baseball Federation, Major League Baseball and other global baseball partners. Ron maintains these relationships to this day in his roles as President of the Baseball Confederation of Oceania, as a key member of the Executive of the International Baseball Federation and, as of last month, a member of the Executive of the newly created World Baseball Softball Confederation.

Ron continues to play a key role in the ‘2 for 1’ joint Baseball and Softball bid for reinstatement to the Olympic Games – a key component of Australian Baseball’s future success.

Domestically, Ron was a key figure in establishing a culture of unity amongst all Australian Baseball stakeholders, ensuring an environment of cooperation and collaboration not seen before in Australian Baseball – the legacy of which is still enjoyed in the sport today.

Ron was an instrumental figure in the creation and structuring of the Australian Baseball League and has continued to play an active role in ensuring the League’s success as an ABL Director.

Ron’s ongoing commitment and tireless contribution to our sport has ensured that the ABF, amongst many other things, prioritises corporate governance and best legal practice. Ron’s standing in the International Baseball community provides Australian Baseball with a voice that is disproportionate to our membership and geographical isolation.

Ron has been a passionate advocate for the Heritage Committee and the creation and ongoing success of the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame.

Ron’s contribution to Baseball in Australia has been immense. Tonight we acknowledge and reward Ron’s outstanding commitment to our sport and award him with our highest honour, Life Membership of the Australian Baseball Federation.

Congratulations Ron.

20 October 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

College Baseball

Team Australia U18 star pitcher Damien Wilson commits to New Mexico Junior College

Damien Wilson made the most of his opportunities in Australian baseball. It’s led him to a scholarship with New Mexico Junior College, a program with a proven track record of progressing Aussie baseball players.

Wilson, a left-handed pitcher out of Baulkham Hills Baseball Club (below) in New South Wales, has already accomplished a lot at his young age of 17.

He came up clutch on the hill for Team Australia at the Under 18 World Cup, won a U18 National Championship with New South Wales, represented his country at the WWBA Championships in Fort Myers, was one of eleven Australians at the 2025 MLB International Showcase and plays Division I in the hyper-competitive NSW State League vs ABL players as a high schooler.

Now, he is set to join three other Australians – Zach Altamura (INF), Riley Hall (RHP) and Tim Yeomans (C) – at New Mexico Junior College.

Brent Iredale, an Australian prospect with the Pittsburgh Pirates, also attended New Mexico Junior College before transferring to Division 1 powerhouse Arkansas.

Wilson says it’s a chance to take a big step forward with his development through college.

“The program’s structure, coaching, and competition level will push me every day to get stronger, more explosive, expand my pitching arsenal and be more consistent on the mound. I’m focused on building velocity, sharpening my command, and learning how to dominate at the college level so I’m ready for the next stage of my career,” says Wilson.

Wilson is coming off a dominating performance of his own at the Under 18 World Cup. In two starts, Wilson tossed 10.0 innings, allowing just two earned runs with no walks, and eight strikeouts.

He helped Australia beat Panama in a must-win game, and he left the game tied 1-1 vs powerhouse Cuba in the placement round.

“My confidence definitely grew after the World Cup,” says Wilson. “By competing against top international talent, it showed me I can perform at that level, and it pushed me to trust my stuff more and focus on consistency every time I step on the mound.”

Wilson says his biggest strength is his competitiveness and work ethic.

“No matter the situation, I always want the ball and I’m going to attack every hitter with confidence. I take pride in being consistent, having good command, and competing with intensity every time I’m on the mound,” says Wilson.

“I also thrive on being part of a team and working towards getting a win as a cohesive unit. I also put a lot of effort into the small details — recovery, training, and preparation — so I’m always ready to perform at my best,” he adds.

Wilson throws a four-seam fastball, two-seam, change-up and curveball.

Baseball Australia’s player development manager Andrew Riddell says he can see the potential Wilson has, commending his performance at the Under 18 World Cup and MLB trip in October.

“It was a full circle for him to cap off an amazing junior career that includes a U16 Golden Arm and a U18 National Championship,” says Riddell. “His progression as a competitor and the ability to get hitters out continues to excel and it will be fun watching him do the same thing the next few years in college.”

Wilson had numerous offers on the table.

Riddell says he was impressed with the amount of thought went into the decision.

“The whole Wilson family were awesome through the process of deciding which program was going to be the best fit for him as we discussed the positive and negatives of each. They all had a great understanding of what he was looking for to take the next steps in his own development and continue his growth on the mound,” says Riddell.

“Damien’s coaches at Baulkham Hills and at Baseball New South Wales deserve a lot of credit with the progression we saw each year at national championships. I know with his drive and work ethic that he will have success at the next level just like he has had in Australia,” adds Riddell.

For Wilson, he says all the overseas events helped push him to become the best player he can be.

“Each one pushed me to compete against some of the best players in the country and the world, helping me learn how to perform under pressure and handle big moments,” he says. “Those experiences taught me the level of preparation, focus, and consistency it takes to succeed at the next level.”

At home, Wilson came up through the New South Wales system via his club at Baulkham Hills.

He says he wouldn’t be here without the entire baseball community. But there’s one man who leads the way.

“David White have been the biggest influence on my baseball journey. He has supported me from day one — pushing through every training, game, and tournament, and to be the best version of myself on and off the diamond,” says Wilson.

“I’ve also been blessed to have great coaches at present and the along the way who’ve believed in me and helped shape the player I am today. Their guidance and belief kept me motivated to keep improving and chasing my goals. My family have been invaluable since the beginning, have been by my side the whole journey. They are my #1 supporters.”

Wilson will be studying Business and Communications.

He departs for the USA in August 2026.

18 October 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia

Hub | Australia wins 2025 U23 Oceania Championships, qualifies for U23 World Cup

Team Australia and Guam have finished a five game series at the 2025 Under 23 Men’s Baseball WBSC Oceania Championships.

24 September 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community

Eight Australians confirmed in the inaugural Women's Pro League draft

UPDATE (OCTOBER 5): Seven Australians have made the cut in the Women’s Professional Baseball League. Ticara Geldenhuis (NSW), Claire O’Sullivan (NSW), Elodie O’Sullivan (NSW), Leah Cornish (WA), Maddie Erwin (ACT), Caitlin Eynon (WA), Allie Bebbere (VIC), Chloe Atkinson and Molly Paddison (QLD) are among the 150 players ruled eligible for the draft in October. You can view the prospect list and details here.

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW (October 1)

Team Australia / Victorian pitcher Allie Bebbere, Queensland star Molly Paddison and award winning utility star Caitlin Eynon received some welcome news recently.

They all learned they had made the cut and will be entered in the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) Draft Pool.

Eynon submitted her application via video while Bebbere and Paddison went to the USA for an in person tryout.

Bebbere and Paddison were two of a handful of Australians who travelled to Washington, DC in August to try out for the WPBL – an American women’s professional competition starting in 2026.

They survived four days of cuts and two-week wait to find out if they were in a player pool of 150 who will be eligible for selection.

Over 600 players travelled to Washington to try to crack the inaugural version of the league.

There are six teams slated to play in Year 1 of the professional competition. The draft is schedule for late October / early November but yet to be confirmed.

Bebbere, 31, was one of the 2023 Women’s World Cup Group Stages’ best pitchers when she made her Emerald’s debut. She was won multiple Australian Women’s Championships (AWC) Golden Arms and was the first woman to play Division I men’s baseball for Fitzroy.

Bebbere (above) was working out in Washington on the mound and at first base.

“Personally, I start gearing up for summer – that is the best preparation for me,” says Bebbere, a pitcher with the Doncaster Dragons in Victoria. “It’s my bigger season, and with the WPBL season starting off the back of that, I look to have a good Australin summer as my best preparation.”

Paddison, 18, was a breakout star at the 2024 Australian Women’s Championships for Queensland. She followed it up with another commanding 2025 tournament, gaining traction among international scouts.
She is an athletic centerfielder.

“I don’t think there is much I can do to prepare for the draft itself, besides maybe organise a draft party if the time differences line up,” adds Bebbere.

Caitlin Eynon submitted her tryout by video and was notified in late September she is also part of the draft pool.

Eynon starred for the Emeralds at the 2023 World Cup. At the 2025 Australian Women’s Championships, Eynon won the Golden Arm and Golden Gloves awards.

The 22-year-old has played in three Australian Women’s Showcases.

If there are other Australians who made the cut and we don’t know, many apologies (and congratulations!). Please send details to Eric at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au so we can celebrate your success.

23 September 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Community

Baseball Australia Opens Expressions of Interest to Host National Tournaments in 2027

Baseball Australia is inviting expressions of interest from clubs, associations, and venues across the country to host its suite of national tournaments in the 2027 season.

Each year, Baseball Australia delivers ten tournaments across seven national events that bring together the best emerging and elite talent from across the country, while also showcasing the depth of the grassroots game.

While 2026 tournament dates and venues have been determined, members of the community are encouraged to consider hosting a tournament in 2027 and beyond.

The tournaments open for hosting include:
– Australian Youth Championships (U18 and U16)
– Australian Women’s Championships (Open and Youth)
– Senior League Championships
– Junior League Championships
– Intermediate League Championships
– Little League Championships
– Little League Girls and Little League Invitational

SUBMIT YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI): Fill out our EOI form today

These events provide opportunities for communities to not only host premier baseball competitions but also to benefit from the tourism, economic activity, and exposure that come with welcoming players, families, and fans from around Australia.

“National tournaments are the pinnacle of our domestic calendar,” Baseball Australia National Tournaments Manager Michael Ibbotson says. “They play a vital role in developing players, coaches, and officials, while also creating memorable experiences for families and communities. We’re excited to work with prospective hosts to continue growing the game.

Venues interested in submitting an expression of interest are encouraged to provide details about facilities, local support, and capacity to deliver a high-quality event experience.

Expressions of interest (EOI) can be submitted via this form.

EOIs are due by January 16, 2026.

22 September 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Aussies Sign Pro

Eleven Australians named to World Select Team for MLB College Showcase tour in October

Eleven Australian baseball players have been invited to play on the ‘MLB World Select Team’ at the upcoming Major League Baseball College Showcase Tour in Arizona.

The annual event welcomes amateur baseball players, all under age 20, from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Curaçao, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain to Arizona.

There are 30 players on the trip total.

19 September 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Community

Baseball Australia confirms national championship dates and locations for 2026

Baseball Australia (BA) is pleased to confirm the location and dates of the 2026 National Australian Baseball Championships.

Each year, BA runs ten national tournaments for varying age groups.

The Australian Youth Championships (U16 and U18) and the Australian Women’s Championships serve has Performance Pathways Events and are used in evaluation for national team selection, as well as for professional and college scouts.

The Little League, Junior League, Intermediate League, and Senior League Tournaments serve as part of the Little League International Pathway, with automatic entry into a World Series event in the USA designated to the winner.

There are a few changes from the 2025 calendar year.

The Australian Youth Championships (AYC) move from Sydney to three clubs in Melbourne. The Senior League titles move from Geelong to Sydney.

The remainder of the tournaments stay in the same place, as per their pre-existing agreements.

We thank all seven clubs and groups who put their hands up to host these events to help with the development of Australian baseball.

Further, an expression of interest is now available to host for 2027 National Championships. Clubs and state associations from across the country can apply can apply. For more information, click here.

BASEBALL AUSTRALIA EVENT CALENDAR

January 7-13 – Under 16 National Championships (AYC)
– Location: Melbourne (Essendon, Preston and Port Melbourne)

January 9-15 – Under 18 National Championships (ATC)
– Location: Melbourne (Essendon, Preston and Port Melbourne)

April 12-18 – Australian Women’s Championships
– Location: Melbourne (Altona)

April 14-18 – Australian Youth Women’s Championships (U16)
– Location: Melbourne (Altona)

May 13-17 – Senior League Championships
– Location: Blacktown

May 21-25 – Intermediate League Championships
– Location: Lismore

May 21-25 – Junior League Championships
– Location: Lismore

June 5-11– Little League Championships
– Location: Blacktown

July 7-11 – Little League Invitational
– Location: Redcliffe

July 7-11 – Little League Girls
– Location: Redcliffe

13 September 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

That's a wrap! How every Aussie pro baseball player fared overseas in 2025

story as of Sunday 14 September

There are 38 Australians playing professional baseball somewhere in the world.

For most, the season has come to a close.

It’s the last full season in the Southern Hemisphere before a World Baseball Classic.

Here’s how each Australian finished their year by level.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

UTIL Curtis Mead – Chicago White Sox

Curtis was dealt to the White Sox from the Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline.

He’s flourished with his new club. As of September 9, Curtis was hitting .262 in 31 games with the White Sox while playing multiple positions. This includes a 10-for-25 stretch during a six game win streak.

RHP Liam Hendriks – Boston Red Sox

The 3-time All-Star has been on 60-day Injured List (IL) retroactive to May 28 with a hip ailment.

Hendriks has a 6.59 ERA in 13.2 innings out of the bullpen this season. It doesn’t look like he’ll be back in the line-up in time for the Red Sox playoff run.

TRIPLE-A

Note: Triple-A regular season continues until September 21

INF – Travis Bazzana (Columbus Clippers)

After spending the season in Double-A (or the injured list), Travis was called up to Triple-A on August 11.

He’s really heated up in the back half of the year. Bazzana belted four home runs in four games earlier in September. The latest was a three-run shot in a 10-9 loss to Indianapolis on Sept. 7.

He’s hitting .245 with an OPS of .852 across two levels this season in 85 games.

However, Bazzana suffered an oblique injury on September 12 putting the remainder of his season in question.

RHP – Brandan Bidois (Indianapolis)

The story of the Australian professional baseball world. The rise of Bidois has been meteoric and impressive.

As of September 9, Bidois has reeled off no-hit innings since last allowing a hit on July 29th. He has an 0.84 ERA this year in 55.0 innings across four levels, with a .118 BAA, an 0.86 WHIP and 60 strikeouts.

Bidois has thrown 9.2 scoreless innings – and all without a hit – since his call-up to Triple-A.

He just may be Australian Major Leaguer #39.

Bidois even commanded a feature story on MLB.com.

RHP – Mitch Neunborn – Lehigh Valley Ironpigs (Philadelphia Phillies)

The 27-year-old has been bouncing between Double-A and Triple-A this season.

In Double-A: 5.12 ERA in 58.0 innings with 62 strikeouts and a .243 BAA.

In Triple-A: 7.54 ERA in 22.2 innings with 20 strikeouts. Although his numbers are skewed from one rough start.

LHP – Jack O’Loughlin – Free Agent (Colorado Rockies)

In July, Jack exercised an opt out clause in his minor league contract with the Rockies. The 25-year-old LHP made 17 appearances (10 starts) for Triple-A Albuquerque this season. He posted a 6.91 ERA in 41.0 innings this year.

DOUBLE-A

LHP – Blake Townsend – Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Final Season Numbers: 90.0 IP, 1.70 ERA, 79 SO, 1.10 WHIP

What a season for Townsend, his first full campaign in the Pirates’ organisation.

Townsend had career numbers while climbing from High-A, all the way up to Triple-A, while playing most of the season in Double-A.

HIGH-A

RHP – Kai-Noa Wynyard – Hub City Spartanburgers (Texas Rangers)

Final Season Numbers (2 levels): 59.1 IP, 3.94 ERA, 52 SO, .231 BAA

Kai earned a call-up from Class-A this season. With Hub City, he has a 5.91 ERA in 10.2 innings across eight games. The 23-year-old will be in the mix for selection to the World Baseball Classic

SINGLE-A

RHP – Adam Bates – Salem Red Sox (Boston Red Sox)

Final Season Numbers: 5.04 ERA in 80.2 innings with 65 strikeouts and a .266 BAA

The 19-year-old keeps showing signs of improvement in his first season about Rookie Ball. He began the season as a starter but finished in the bullpen.

INF – Brent Iredale – Bradenton Marauders (Pittsburgh)

Final Season Numbers: 18 games played with .214 average, .405 on-base-percentage with two homers and nine RBI

After being drafted in July, Iredale shows some positive signs in his first professional games.

INF – Nikau Pouaka-Grego – Clearwater Threshers (Philadelphia Phillies)

Final Season Numbers (3 levels): .186 average / .320 OPB with 1 homer and 12 RBI

Nikau split time between Rookie Ball, High-A and Single-A. He played the most (32 games) in Single-A Clearwater.

It’s expected the 20-year-old infielder will stay in the USA for a program before heading back to play in the ABL.

INF – Max Durrington – Stockton Ports (Athletics)

Final Season Numbers (2 levels): 89 games, .238 average / .329 OPB …2 HR and 30 RBI

Australia’s youngest professional player, 18-year-old Durrington, earned a call-up above Rookie Ball on July 3. Since then, Durrington is hitting .225.

Max finished hot, going 5-for-16 in September.

INF – Clayton Campbell – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Tigers)

Final Season Numbers (2 levels): 52 games, .205 average / .324 OPB with 3 HR and 12 RBI

Campbell bounced between the Complex League and Single-A this season. He ended the season on a high with Lakeland, going 2-for-2 in his last game.

OF – Drew Davies – Daytona Tortugas (Cincinatti Reds)

Final Season Numbers (2 levels): 81 games, .246 average, .385 on-base-percentage with 4 homers and 41 RBI

A productive first season above Rookie Ball. Drew reached base a lot and showed some power. He hit .246 in August and finished the season with hits in seven of eight games.

ROOKIE BALL / DOMINICAN LEAGUES

RHP – Juan Manuel Ramirez – Dominican League (Blue Jays)

Final Season Numbers: 1.61 ERA in 22.1 IP with 21 SO

The Queenslander is showing some promising signs playing with prospects in the Dominican.

RHP – Alistair Tanner – Detroit Tigers Florida League

Final Season Numbers: 6.39 ERA in 39.2 innings with 31 strikeouts

His first professional season in the USA. A big off-season awaits.

INF – Jayden Kim – Dominican League (Pirates)

Final Season Numbers: 44 games, with a .175 average and .367 OBP with 19 RBI.

28 walks in 44 games shows signs of promise.

INF / P – BJay Cooke- Athletics Arizona League

The Western Australian has yet to appear this year but is reportedly working out to become a pitcher once again.

RHP – Robinson Smith – Dominican League (Pirates)

Smith completed his first year of professional baseball based at the Pittsburgh Pirates complex in the Dominican Republic. Smith’s development has been outstanding with a fastball hitting the mid 90’s with some excellent individual game performances. He’ll be attending instructional league in order to fast track his progression for the 2026 season.

LHP – Kailen Hamson (QLD / Baltimore Orioles)

The left-handed Queenslander was drafted by Baltimore in the 8th round of the 2025 MLB Draft. He just signed his contract and ended the season in the Complex. Read his signing story here.

RHP – Rubens Romero – Pirates – Injured, Missed season.

RHP – Jackson Grounds (Pirates)– 60-day injured list. Missed season.

RHP – Jack Bushell (Tigers) – 60-day injured list. Missed season.

Mitch Evans (SA / Tigers): The 17-year-old will finish Year 12 before reporting to the professional ranks next year. You can read his signing story here.

INTERNATIONAL & INDEPENDENT LEAGUES

JAPAN

INF – Jarryd Dale – Orix Buffaloes (NPB Minor Leagues)

Regular Season Numbers: 34 games, .308 average, .381 OBP with 1 homer and 12 RBI

24-year-old Dale impresses in his first season overseas and in a Japanese league.

RHP – Ky Jackson – Nippon Express (Industrial League)

Numbers are a little tricky to find (help!). But I do know that Jackson, the star of Australia’s Under 23 pitching staff, did not allow a run through his first 17.0 innings pitched.

Could he be drafted to the NPB?

KOREA

LHP – Lachlan Wells – Kiwoom Heroes

Final Regular Season Numbers: 20.0 IP, 3.15 ERA, 16 SO and 1.20 WHIP

28-year-old Wells started four games for the Heroes and may draw interest from KBO clubs when an extra Oceania import spot opens up in 2026.

RHP – Coen Wynne – LG Twins

Final Numbers: 7.04 ERA in 23.0 IP

Wynne has returned from his six week stint as an Injury Replacement Player with the Korean Big League club the LG Twins.

MEXICO

LHP – Lewis Thorpe – Saltillo

Final Numbers: 9.36 ERA in 25.0 IP

The 29-year-old former MLB pitcher was traded mid-season from the Chihuahuas to Saltillo.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

INF – Robbie Glendinning – KC Monarchs

Final Numbers: 87 games, .254 average with an .839 OPS. He hit 18 homers with 71 RBI.

Glendinning was named the 2025 American Association Utility Player of the Year.

LHP – Josh Hendrickson – KC Monarchs

Final Regular Season Numbers: 104.1 IP, 3.61 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 116 strikeouts

A true feel good story.

In his return to pro baseball after two years away, the 27-year-old was crazy consistent.

He’s become one of the most reliable arms in the league and has been named a pitcher of the week this season.

FRONTIER LEAGUE

RHP – James Boeree – Mississippi

Final Regular Season Numbers: 35.1 IP, 7.13 ERA

The 7’2 arm from Newcastle finished his college career and instantly signed with this Frontier League team. He started and relieved.

UTIL – Jarrod Belbin – Quebec Capitales

Final Regular Season Numbers: 91 games, .318 average with .920 OPS. 10 homers and 66 RBI.

Belbin was named the Capitales’ player of the month for June. A consistent All-Star worthy season.

INF – Will Riley – Quebec Capitales

Final Regular Season Numbers: 77 games, .265 average with a .374 OBP. 5 homers and 34 RBI.

Riley, one of three Aussies on the Capitales, is an All-Star. He was a starter for the Atlantic squad.

The Lismore-native has played seven different positions this season.

HP – Billy Parsons – Sussex Country Miners

Final Regular Season Numbers: 92.0 IP, 3.52 ERA, 77SO

Another Aussie, another All-Star.

Billy, in his third year in the Frontier League, is turning in his best year yet. He was named an All-Star. Parsons was both a starter and reliever.

RHP – Brodie Cooper-Vassalakis – Quebec Capitales

Final Regular Season Numbers: 5.68 ERA in 33.2 innings this year.

The Canberra native had all but one outing has come from the bullpen.

PIONEER LEAGUE

OF – Briley Knight – Billings Mustangs

Final Regular Season Numbers: 86 games, .273 average, .409 on-base percentage, 7 homers and 59 RBI

One of the ABL’s leading hitters is making a lot of contact in the USA.

QUEBEC LEAGUE

RHP – Ky Hampton – Brock Nutrite Lambert

Final Regular Season Numbers: 5-2 record with a save in 62.2 innings pitched, a 1.45 ERA, 75 strikeouts.

Playing in an Independent Quebec League.

BANANA BALL

INF – Liam Spence & Brett Allen

Liam Spence has been making trick plays and playing in front of 50,000+ people with the Firefighters in Bananaball.

You can read a great story on Liam Spence here.

“I legitimately played both games with goosebumps on me because it was so unreal for all two hours. The energy has been like that ever since,” says Spence.

Brett Allen has finished his career at university with Reinhardt and just signed a contract with the Savannah Bananas.

LIGUE CANADA-EAST (WOMEN’S)

UTIL – Leah Cornish – Rockies

Hitting .520 with seven doubles and 10 RBI in 11 games so far.

UTIL – Peyton Newman – Rockies

Hitting .333 with a .520 OBP in nine games. She has three RBI and three walks.

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUE

Allie Bebbere and Molly Paddison have been named to the draft list, schedule for October.

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