At 18U National Team Training Camp, the top talent across the country shows up looking to perform. With players spanning from all regions of the nation, the 88 best 16- and 17-and-under players show up to Cary, North Carolina, and show out during a week full of competitive action. Some players may have been here before; some might be new; they may have even been here during their summer circuit this year. For one player in particular, West Coast native Carter Hadnot, he falls into that third category, as he’s back on the East Coast after recently winning a gold medal with USA Prime National at this year's 17U National Team Championships in North Carolina.
That experience for Hadnot was all about competing, knowing that he just wanted to go out there and have fun with his teammates.
“The experience at Champs was great. I had fun with my USA Prime team; we went out just competing with anybody that we played, and we ended up coming out on top,” said Hadnot.
Overall, during the tournament, Hadnot was a critical factor in helping USA Prime National come out on top. Hadnot dominated at the plate on his way to an impressive batting average of .375 while hitting two triples, a double, and a home run. Those stellar numbers led to him finishing the tournament with the highest slugging percentage amongst players with four or more games played.
“The feeling was amazing; it was one of the biggest tournaments of the summer, and we just wanted to go out with a win,” said Hadnot.
Competing at this year's Champs NC wasn’t Hadnot’s first taste of USA Baseball action. Last year, he participated in the 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP). When it comes to the NTDP, an 88-player roster is split into four squads that go through position-specific workouts, skill development sessions, and scrimmages. Hadnot soaked in all the knowledge he could, as he was well aware of how important a development program like the NTDP is for players.
“It felt really good going to NTDP last year. I felt like I performed pretty well there, and it was a lot of fun coming out here and competing with the top guys and facing a good arm every game, and it was just an honor to be out there.”
Hadnot has also stacked experience with MLB Develops, the youth baseball and softball development arm of Major League Baseball in joint effort with USA Baseball, participating in five separate events: Breakthrough Series, DREAM Series, the Hank Aaron Invitational, The Program, and MLB ID Tour. Although one of the events stood out amongst the rest for Hadnot - the Breakthrough Series.
“The Breakthrough Series definitely made me a better person. With the infrastructure of getting up at eight in the morning, or getting up early in general, it really prepared me for how things are now and for what the future might look like,” said Hadnot.
Now arriving at this year's phase one of 18U National Team Training Camp, Hadnot is a decorated player with experience and natural talent. Being a highly touted prospect, Hadnot will have an abundance of eyes on him, with the scouting presence at Training Camp being unlike any other event for these players.
When talking in terms of travel baseball, one word continues to pop up more often than others, and that’s the word showcase. Though at 18U National Team Training Camp, one thing is made very clear: this is not a showcase; it’s a tryout. Hadnot is well prepared for what’s to come this week. Hadnot knows that the coaching staff isn’t looking for flashy plays or who can hit a ball the furthest; those who make the team make the routine plays, routine.
“I am just really looking forward to competing against all the best guys, and obviously my goal is to make it to phase two, but I just want to have fun and enjoy my time while I'm out here with friends and coaches,” said Hadnot.
Competing against all the best guys for sure is something Hadnot will be doing. Nine former 18U National Team players were drafted in the first round of this year's draft. The future stars of the game all play here, and Hadnot’s experience will help him show he belongs.
Hadnot has racked up the miles this summer, but the journey is far from over as the intensity of Training Camp continues to ramp up. Hadnot has been ranked as high as No. 7 on 2027 MLB Draft boards according to Baseball America, and looks to display his talent while just enjoying the game. The stakes are high, and the eyes are on him, but Hadnot will look to stick to his roots and just enjoy playing the child's game of baseball and have fun.
