USA Baseball has announced its roster for the upcoming Premier12 tournament, set to take place in Mexico this November. The roster includes some familiar names like Drake Baldwin, which is exciting for fans of the Atlanta Braves.
Drake Baldwin, one of the Braves’ top prospects, will be representing the United States at the event. Alongside him are two other catchers: Willie MacIver from the Rockies and Chris Okey from the Dodgers.
There’s also plenty of buzz surrounding the potential addition of veteran pitcher Rich Hill, as well as Touki Toussaint, who previously spent time with the Chicago White Sox and will be bringing his signature curveball to the competition.
The Premier12 tournament is a significant event in international baseball, bringing together the top 12 ranked national teams from around the world. Team USA will begin group play from November 9-14, aiming to finish in the top two of their group to advance to the Super Round, which is scheduled for November 21-24. The team faces tough competition, but the talent on the roster could give them the edge they need to make a deep run.
Baldwin, currently listed as MLB.com’s #5 prospect for the Braves, had an impressive 2024 season. In 334 plate appearances with the AAA Gwinnett Stripers, he put up a .298/.407/.484 slash line, resulting in a 135 wRC+, showcasing his potential at the plate.
Despite his productive season, Baldwin only appeared in 86 games as a catcher this year. Those games were split between AA Mississippi and AAA Gwinnett. This limited usage means fatigue shouldn’t be a concern for him during the tournament. While it’s unlikely that he’ll be used as a designated hitter, gaining experience at an international level is a valuable opportunity for his development as a player.
Team USA’s participation in the Premier12 not only offers a chance to see some of baseball’s rising stars but also serves as an important stepping stone for players like Baldwin.
It’s a competitive stage where prospects can showcase their skills and gain exposure, all while representing their country. With a balanced mix of youth and experience, the USA team is ready to compete on an international level and make its mark in Mexico.
