North Carolina’s Rising Stars: 11 Players Invited to MLB Draft Combine

North Carolina has always been a breeding ground for baseball talent. The invitation of 11 players with North Carolina roots to the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft Combine just adds another chapter to that story.

This annual event, now in its fifth year, brings together the best amateur baseball players from across the country. They get to show off their skills and prep for the MLB Draft.

Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, will host the combine. Players will go through a mix of on-field drills, team meetings, and medical evaluations.

So, who made the list this year? And what does it mean for North Carolina’s baseball legacy?

North Carolina’s Rising Stars: High School Standouts

Five high school players currently competing in North Carolina were selected to attend this event. These young athletes will get the chance to showcase their abilities and boost their profiles ahead of the MLB Draft, which is set for July 13 and 14 in Atlanta during the All-Star festivities.

The Invited High School Players

The five high school players invited to the 2025 MLB Draft Combine:

• Tyler Baird (Hough High School) – A versatile player with impressive tools at the plate and in the field.
• C.J. Gray (A.L. Brown High School) – A standout known for his athleticism and baseball IQ.
• Josh Hammond (Wesleyan Christian Academy) – A hard-hitting slugger with a bright future.
• Coy James (Davie County High School) – An all-around performer with a penchant for big moments.
• Briggs McKenzie (Corinth Holders High School) – A dependable infielder with a strong arm and quick instincts.

These players will jump into drills like batting practice, bullpen sessions, and fielding workouts. They’ll also get to impress scouts in team meetings, and maybe even in a special high school game streamed on MLB.com.

College Talent with North Carolina High School Roots

Six college players who played high school baseball in North Carolina also got invites. That’s a nod to the quality of coaching and player development happening at the high school level here.

The Invited College Players

Here are the six college athletes with North Carolina high school ties:

• Aidan Haugh – A consistent hitter and standout defensive player.
• Eli Jerzembeck – Known for his electric fastball and control on the mound.
• Kane Kepley – An outfielder with speed and a keen eye at the plate.
• Tanner Thach – A first baseman with power and polished offensive skills.
• Dixon Williams – A versatile infielder who thrives under pressure.
• Ethan Young – A pitcher with excellent command and an impressive breaking ball.

With their tickets punched to the combine, these players will look to boost their draft stock. They’re hoping to take the next step toward a pro baseball career.

What Makes the MLB Draft Combine So Valuable?

The MLB Draft Combine isn’t just a showcase—it’s a real shot for players to prove themselves in front of team executives, scouts, and coaches. On-field activities like batting practice and fielding drills usually grab the headlines, but there’s more to it than that.

Players also get the chance to sit down for interviews and team meetings. That’s where they can highlight their character and mental skills. Medical evaluations matter too, since teams want to know about each player’s physical fitness and injury history before making a pick.

The Role of North Carolina in Baseball Development

North Carolina keeps producing elite baseball talent. This year’s combine invitations just keep that trend rolling.

The state’s got a solid pipeline of coaches, facilities, and programs that help players reach the national stage. From Little League to travel ball and high school programs, North Carolina has built an environment where young athletes can really thrive and get ready for the next level.

Mark Your Calendar: MLB Draft 2025

The MLB Draft lands on July 13 and 14 in Atlanta. It’s the big moment that so many aspiring players have been working toward, right in the middle of MLB’s All-Star festivities.

This year’s draft is set to spotlight young talent from all over the country. North Carolina’s representatives, in particular, are drawing plenty of attention.

People are buzzing about these 11 players who carry North Carolina’s hopes. Their performances could shape how folks see baseball in the state for years to come.

Names like Tyler Baird, C.J. Gray, and Josh Hammond keep popping up. Maybe they’ll be the ones lighting up the MLB stage soon—guess we’ll find out.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Eleven current and former NC high school baseball players invited to MLB Draft Combine