Shushkewich: Four Junior National Team standouts from extended spring camp

Langley Blaze left-hander Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, B.C.) and Toronto Mets infielder Elliott Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) were standouts for the Junior National Team at their recent extended spring training camp in Florida. Photo: Baseball Canada

May 1, 2026

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

In April, the Junior National Team (JNT) went down to Florida on their extended spring training trip, playing eight games against the FCL Pirates, FCL Yankees, FCL Phillies, FCL Blue Jays (three games), and the Ft. Lauderdale Stars (two games).

This is an annual trip for the JNT, and it gives the players a chance to play against some tougher competition. It also gives scouts in the Grapefruit League a chance to see some of Canada’s top young players. College scouts are also in attendance.

With this in mind, here are four players who stood out in their recent trip:

Sean Duncan – LHP

Port Coquitlam, B.C.

When Sean Duncan takes the mound, the scouting world takes notice – and with good reason.

The Vanderbilt commit is the top-ranked Canuck heading into this summer’s draft, ranked by MLB Pipeline at No. 75 in their latest update.

Duncan drew a huge crowd of scouts in his outings, and the southpaw delivered. Duncan pitched six innings in two starts and allowed just four hits and one earned run on 91 pitches. He struck out eight compared to four walks. His command was a bit more shaky compared to his outings last year, but Duncan continues to be the top Canuck prospect. On this trip, he posted a 1.17 ERA with a 1.333 WHIP while holding opposing bats to a .182 average.

He sits in the low 90s with his fastball but has hit 95 mph, and he mixes his pitches well with his repeatable delivery on the mound.

He should be the first Canadian taken in the draft this summer unless the siren songs of Nashville are playing too loud.

Elliot Lascelles – INF

Toronto, Ont.

A product of the Toronto Mets program, Elliot Lascelles is no stranger to the JNT and the middle infielder put on an impressive show at the extended spring camp.

Lascelles led the squad in batting average (.348), going 8-for-23 with a double and a triple. He finished the week with a .901 OPS and a .423 OBP, walking three times compared to two strikeouts. Lascelles also topped the team with five RBIs.

Lascelles’ draft stock definitely improved, and he’ll get a chance to pad his stats before July rolls around when the JNT heads to the Dominican Republic and also competes in the MLB Draft League. He has a commitment to Yale University, but the Mets product will get some serious draft consideration this year.

Calum Andersen – RHP

Calgary, Alta.

Calum Andersen is a bit newer on the JNT scene, but the right-hander is going to be an arm to watch over the next two years.

The Vauxhall Jets product already stands at 6-foot-5 and is touching the low 90s with his fastball. He commands the zone well, and this recent trip showcased his abilities. Similar to Duncan, he made two starts and pitched six innings, and finished with an identical 1.17 ERA but allowed fewer hits (2) while striking out four. His command was a bit wilder compared to the older left-hander (six walks), but he was able to keep them in check, allowing just the one earned run on 99 pitches.

Andersen is quickly establishng himself as an arm that could play at the next level, and scouts are starting to take interest in the 2027 grad. He impressed at the Future Stars Underclass Elite event last fall, earning Most Outstanding Pitcher honours.

Andersen has a commitment to the University of Oklahoma, but if he continues to impress, he will likely sign a pro contract.

Maxime Blain – OF

Repentigny, Que.

Quebec product Maxime Blain is newer to the JNT squad, but the left-handed hitter impressed in this recent Florida trip.

Blain led the team in OPS (.943) and went 5-for-15 at the plate (.333 average) with two doubles. He suited up in seven games and finished just behind Lascelles in RBIs (four) but led the squad in runs (four) and walks (five) while also chipping in with a sac fly. The outfielder also recorded an outfield assist while adding 12 putouts.

His game still needs some polish, but the Wabash Valley CC commit is making a splash against pro talent in his last year of eligibility.

Quick hits:

-Zach McDonald (Lacombe, Alta.) was the lone player to hit a home run on this trip.

-Josh Mills (Leduc, Alta.) led the team in strikeouts with nine in 5 2/3 innings in two starts.

-Desmond Tregaskis (Delta, B.C.) and Austin Blair (Victoria, B.C.) were strong out of the bullpen, with each pitcher allowing one earned run in four innings (apiece).