Baseball Canada | Junior National Team Set to Return to the MLB Draft League in 2026

October 10, 2025

Junior National Team Set to Return to the MLB Draft League in 2026

Baseball Canada announced an expansion of the Canadian Junior National Team Program (U18) for 2026. In an expanded year two of Baseball Canada’s partnership with the MLB Draft League, Canada’s U18 Junior National Team will play nine scheduled games against MLB Draft League teams from June 12-21, 2026. The Aberdeen IronBirds, State College Spikes and Mahoning Valley Scrappers will host all games, with the Junior National Team playing three games against each of the IronBirds, Spikes and Scrappers. The MLB Draft League, entering its sixth season, has become the premier destination for Draft-eligible players each summer.

2025 Canadian Junior National Team Draft League Tour

Date	Opponent	Location
6/12	Aberdeen IronBirds	Aberdeen, MD
6/13	Aberdeen IronBirds	Aberdeen, MD
6/14	Aberdeen IronBirds	Aberdeen, MD
6/16	State College Spikes	State College, PA
6/17	State College Spikes	State College, PA
6/18	State College Spikes	State College, PA
6/19	Mahoning Valley Scrappers	Niles, OH
6/20	Mahoning Valley Scrappers	Niles, OH
6/21	Mahoning Valley Scrappers	Niles, OH

"We are excited to bring the Canadian Junior National Team back to the MLB Draft League this summer through an expansion of our partnership with Baseball Canada. MLB and our Clubs have had a great relationship with Baseball Canada for many years, including annual trips to the Dominican Summer League and Extended Spring Training. This will continue to build on the unique opportunities for these players to develop and receive scouting opportunities prior to this year’s Draft."

Sean Campbell
President, MLB Draft League

"Baseball Canada is excited to announce an expanded partnership with Major League Baseball in fully integrating the Canadian Junior National Team Program into the MLB Draft League. The opportunity to showcase and develop Canada’s most talented high school age prospects in the highly competitive MLB Draft League will be impactful from a Professional a Collegiate scouting perspective."

Jason Dickson Greg Hamilton
CEO Baseball Canada Head Coach & Director National Teams Baseball

Background On Canadian Junior National Team Program:

Since 1999, there have been 390 Canadian Junior National Team Draft selections including First Round picks:

Scott Thorman (2000)
Adam Loewen (2002)
Jeff Francis (2002)
Phillippe Aumont (2007)
Kyle Lotzkar (2007)
Brett Lawrie (2008)
James Paxton (2009)
Kellin Deglan (2010)
Josh Naylor (2015)
Michael Soroka (2015)
Cal Quantrill (2016)
Bo Naylor (2018)
Myles Naylor (2023)

Since 1999, 35 Canadian Junior National Team graduates have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, including All-Stars Justin Morneau, Russell Martin, Michael Saunders, Michael Soroka, Jordan Romano and Josh Naylor.

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