For a select group of elite baseball players across the country, the summer doesn’t just mean a break from school or a chance to log more innings—it means another shot to sharpen their craft at the highest level.
This week, USA Baseball welcomes back a talented group of returning athletes to its 2025 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP), a prestigious platform designed to help top-tier players evolve not only as athletes, but as young men. Luke Armijo, Junior Lopez, Connor Salerno, Jack Woda, and 2023 15U National Team alum Samir Mohammed. These returners were part of the 2024 NTDP class, and their invitation back speaks volumes about both their potential and their commitment to growth.
Mohammed, who notched a 0.00 ERA with the 2023 15U squad, highlighted the importance of an event like USA Baseball’s NTDP after participating in the event the year prior.
“The NTDP is a pretty important event in my opinion,” said Mohammed. “At 15U National Team Training Camp there was a lot of pressure to make the national team, and I feel like this event allows me to develop and prepare myself for the next step: 18U National Team Training Camp.”
The NTDP is far more than just another camp. It’s a four-day immersion into high-level instruction, high-stakes competition, and invaluable off-field development. Players face top-notch coaching from current and former national team staff members, compete against some of the best talent in the country, and participate in seminars focused on leadership, character, mental performance, and the responsibilities of representing Team USA.
The returning players, many of whom are now entering their junior or senior years of high school, carry with them lessons learned not just from the NTDP itself, but also from a full year of reflection, reps, and results. That experience gives them a different perspective heading into this year’s event.
“My fastball velocity has increased a lot since last year. I learned a lot. My mechanics and control have improved as well,” Mohammed stated. “My changeup has developed into a really good pitch too. I think I really benefited from the NTDP last year and I can’t wait to see what’s to come this year.”
That leadership element is one of the core values emphasized at the NTDP. And for the returning group, leadership is an expectation. The coaches and staff, led by USA Baseball’s Director of Player Development Jim Koerner, hope these familiar faces will model the work ethic, humility, and maturity it takes to succeed not only in international competition but beyond baseball altogether.
“We want to see growth and progression throughout the past year. The fact that guys are returning means that they are very talented athletes and they’re on our radar. Our goal is to keep tabs on them and build long-lasting relationships to make sure they’re developing and growing as a player and a person,” explained Koerner.
Returning to the NTDP isn’t just about chasing a roster spot or trying to pad a résumé. For many of these athletes, it’s about the relationships formed during last year’s event and the hunger to keep learning. The bonds created through shared meals, development days, and high-pressure games run deep, and they often carry forward into high school seasons, tournaments, and even college commitments.
“Before my experience with the 15U National Team, I was never really on the radar or highly rated,” Mohammed explained. “When I made the team, I started climbing the ranks, but I think I value the people I met along the way the most. Some of the guys on that team are here (at the NTDP) so it’s cool to see them again.”
This year’s NTDP will once again feature a combination of on-field instruction and off-field education, including sessions on topics such as financial literacy and developmental sessions amongst other instructional segments. Returning players serve as a bridge between the first-timers and the coaching staff—often answering questions, offering advice, and setting the tone for competition.
They also arrive with elevated expectations for themselves. Having experienced the intensity and structure of last year’s program, they understand what it takes to stand out. That knowledge can help them fine-tune their preparation, stay focused on the details, and bring a higher level of intentionality to every drill and rep.
“I really just want to challenge myself as a player. I know I’m throwing at least three innings here and I think it will be a good opportunity to get more exposure. Showcasing what I have worked for is what I look forward to the most,” said Mohammed.
For USA Baseball, that blend of skill and character is what makes the NTDP such an essential part of the national team pipeline. It’s a proving ground, but also serves as a classroom, a mentorship opportunity, and a life experience that leaves a lasting impact. For those coming back for another round, it’s a testament to their growth and their goals and Koerner believes the same.
“I want these guys to be relentless in whatever their dreams and goals are,” said Koerner. “If they want to make it to MLB or make a national team they’ll have to be relentless in the pursuit of their goals. While many of these guys are still developing, we want to make sure we’re providing the best learning experience to propel them towards their goals.”
As the 2025 NTDP gets underway, the returning players serve as proof that development never stops. There’s always another layer to a player’s game, another lesson to absorb, another step to take. And for this group, that step brings them back to where it all began. This time, the returners are not just participants. They’re examples.
And if the past year is any indication, they’re ready to make an even greater impact the second time around.
