News Summary

Four high school baseball players from the Dallas area have been named to the USA Baseball 2025 18U National Team, set to compete at the upcoming WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Japan this September. Cole Koeninger, Jorvorskie Lane Jr., Trey Rangel, and Grady Emerson are among the 20 players chosen from an initial pool of 80. With a rich talent pool from Texas being represented, these athletes are expected to showcase their skills on the world stage as Team USA looks to defend its title.

Four Dallas-Area Players Shine as They Make USA Baseball 2025 18U National Team

Excitement is brewing in Dallas as high school baseball gears up for a fantastic season, starting with practice on January 16 and official games kicking off on February 16. But the buzz is not just about batters in the local school fields; it’s about four exceptionally talented players who will take their game global! They’ve been chosen for the USA Baseball 2025 18U National Team, set to represent the United States at the upcoming WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Okinawa, Japan this September.

Power Players from the Metroplex

The Dallas area has really put a spotlight on youth baseball talent, with four local stars making the cut: Cole Koeninger from Keller, Jorvorskie Lane Jr. from Grapevine, Trey Rangel from The Colony, and Grady Emerson from Fort Worth Christian. They are part of a competitive roster of only 20 players, selected from an initial pool of 80 athletes, making their achievement even more impressive.

Alongside these local heroes, the only other Texan to join the national squad is CJ Sampson from Tomball. This selection reflects the exceptional talent pool present in Texas, particularly in the Dallas area.

Anticipating Greatness in Japan

The World Cup is scheduled from September 5-14, where these young athletes will showcase their skills against teams from around the globe. On September 4, the U.S. will start their title defense against Panama, with the first pitch at 9:30 p.m. ET. There’s much to look forward to as Team USA aims to secure yet another championship, adding to their impressive history of ten wins in the past 31 editions of the tournament.

Standout Players to Watch

Among the selected players, Grady Emerson stands out as the top player in the 2026 class according to Perfect Game. This talented athlete has already made history by being the first to land spots on two 15U and two 18U national teams. He’s not just part of the squad; he’s also a two-time gold medalist, having previously contributed to successful campaigns in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup in 2022 and the U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in 2024. As he gears up for his potential big break in the 2026 MLB draft, baseball fans should definitely keep an eye on Emerson.

Not to be overlooked, Jorvorskie Lane Jr. recently made waves by transferring to Grapevine, enhancing an already impressive career that includes participation in the 15U National Team in 2023. Promising to be an exciting player in the future, Lane is ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2026 class by Perfect Game.

Then there’s Trey Rangel, a Texas commit known for his incredible pitching skills. Last spring, he boasted an astounding 0.56 earned run average and 78 strikeouts, with a fastball that reportedly reaches 98 mph—definitely someone to look forward to watching on the mound!

A Season of Potential

Cole Koeninger has also made headlines recently, having been named the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year by The Dallas Morning News. He had a stellar two-way season with a .419 batting average, hitting eight home runs and driving in 39 RBIs while pitching to a remarkable 0.93 ERA with 96 strikeouts, highlighting his versatility and talent.

With an experienced coaching staff, including former major league players and national championship coaches such as Rick Eckstein and David Eckstein, Team USA will have robust guidance as they prepare for their international competition.

So gear up, Dallas! Baseball season may be just around the corner, but this summer, we’re cheering for our homegrown heroes as they take the field on the world stage. Each swing, strike, and catch promises to be thrilling for fans and followers of America’s favorite pastime.

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