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Jonathan India has a new home.
Trea Turner is still trying to live up to the 11-year, $300 million contract he signed two years ago.
Cam Smith, a long shot to make the roster entering spring training, has been fitted for an MLB uniform.
All three have one thing in common: They were Palm Beach County high school stars before reaching baseball's highest level.
In all, nine players who honed their skills on county fields will begin the season on MLB rosters this week. Half are everyday starters; the others are hoping to bounce back from subpar seasons.
Here's a look at the county's MLB honor roll:
Four years ago, he was the toast of Cincinnati.
India joined the Reds' lineup on opening day in 2021 and quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in part to his distinctive look — mustache, goatee and long, flowing hair. When he earned National League Rookie of the Year honors after slashing .269/.376/.459 with 34 doubles, 21 home runs and 69 RBIs, it appeared he would be a fixture in the infield for years to come.
Over the next three seasons, however, his production slipped a bit and the Reds started to unload veterans as part of a major rebuild. India's name began surfacing in trade rumors, so it didn't come as a shock when he received a call in November while vacationing with his family in Italy, telling him he had been dealt to the Royals.
"I kind of knew something was coming," he told MLB.com. "I think it was about time for me to head out. I was on the trade block for a couple years in Cincy and I think it was the right time to do it. ... It's tough, but I'm happy I'm here."
At 28, the former American Heritage-Delray and University of Florida standout is eager to get a fresh start in Kansas City. After a hot spring, he will bat leadoff for the Royals, just ahead of MVP candidate Bobby Witt. He's likely to play second base most of the time, but he also worked out at third base and in left field this spring to give manager Matt Quartaro more options.
“It’s a learning curve for sure,” India said. “I’ve never played outfield in my life. It’s definitely going to be tough at the beginning, but that’s everything in baseball, especially when you’re learning something new. So I’m up for the challenge."
When the Phillies signed Turner to a rich free-agent deal in December 2022, they knew they were getting a two-time All-Star shortstop who won a World Series with the Nationals in 2019 and a National League batting title with the Dodgers in 2021.
Expectations were high for a team coming off its own World Series appearance, and Turner figured to be a player who could help get the Phillies over the top. But he struggled out of the gate, drawing the wrath of Philadelphia's demanding fans, and wound up hitting 30 points below his career average (.266/.320/.459).
Last year, Turner's overall numbers were up (.295/.338/.469), but he missed six weeks with a hamstring injury and went 3-for-15 in the NL Division Series loss to the Mets.
"It's not the good, consistent baseball that I want to play, personally," he told The Athletic. "I’ve obviously had really good stretches, but it’s those down trends that have been really bad. I feel like in the past, that’s not been the case. Put the ball in play more, take your walks, all those things. Obviously, I know those things, but you’re in the box and you’ve got to do it.”
Manager Rob Thomson has considered making Turner the leadoff hitter instead of batting him second behind Kyle Schwarber. Thomson used both players in the leadoff role this spring.
“As long as he's got the mindset of getting on base – and I think he does – being in the leadoff spot could help that a little bit,” Thomson said of Turner. “Because I think Trea's going to hit 20 or 25 home runs no matter what, at least. And if he can get on base at a .380 clip, whatever, score 100 runs – I mean, that's production.”
Nine months after playing for Florida State in the College World Series, Smith has moved on to an even bigger stage.
How he got there has been nothing short of amazing.
After a big summer in the prestigious Cape Cod League and a brilliant sophomore season at FSU, Smith was drafted by the Cubs with the 14th overall pick last year. He played a total of 32 minor-league games in Low-A, High-A and Double-A.
Five months after being drafted, he learned he was part of a blockbuster trade. The Astros sent All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs for third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and Smith, who was likely ticketed for Triple-A.
But during spring training at the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, just a short drive from his high school, Smith started hitting and never stopped. He slashed .342/.419/.711 and handled a move to right field well enough that he earned an MLB roster spot.
“I’m just so blessed for this opportunity," Smith, 22, told The Athletic. "It’s obviously a dream come true. There are so many emotions going on right now.”
Manager Joe Espada is confident Smith can make a smooth transition.
“I think he can overcome a lot of things because he’s made the right way," Espada said. "My job will be to make sure we help him through the everyday grind in the big leagues. The stage here is huge. ... If we didn’t think he was tough enough and had the tools to handle this job, we would not be making the decision.”
The Angels surprised draft experts when they took Schanuel with the No. 11 overall pick in 2023, then rushed him to the majors in less than six weeks.
Schanuel, one of college baseball's best hitters at Florida Atlantic, walked into a clubhouse that included Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout and acquitted himself well. He reached base in all 29 games, batted .275 with one home run and six RBIs, and played a solid first base.
When he reported to spring training last year, the goal was to hit for more power. Of his 30 MLB hits, 26 were singles. But Schanuel got away from what had made him a consistent hitter and started the season 4-for-43 (.093).
"I was pulling the ball, trying to hit homers," he told MLB.com. "I kind of got ahead of myself earlier in the year doing something I'm not used to doing."
Many teams would have sent Schanuel back to the minors at that point, but the Angels stuck with him. With the help of hitting coach Johnny Washington, he pulled out of his slump and went on to have a respectable season, hitting .251 and showing more pop with 19 doubles and 13 home runs.
Schanuel, 23, will continue his on-field training this season, batting second in the lineup ahead of Trout.
Edwards' career has taken several detours since he starred on Trinity Christian's 2016 state championship team as a sophomore.
After three years at Trinity, Edwards transferred to North Broward Prep for his final two high school seasons. When the Padres made him the No. 38 overall pick in the 2018 draft, he passed up a scholarship offer from Vanderbilt to turn pro.
Edwards, a versatile infielder, then learned some hard lessons about the business of baseball. During six minor league seasons, he was traded twice, to the Rays in 2019 and to the Marlins in 2022. At every stop, Edwards hit for average and stole bases, but it appeared he would forever be labeled a "prospect."
Finally, during the Marlins' tumultuous 2024 season, Edwards got his big break. Called up from Triple-A Jacksonville just after midseason, he was inserted into the lineup at shortstop and put up All-Star numbers, batting .328 with 18 extra-base hits, 33 walks and 31 stolen bases. He was one of the few bright spots in a 100-loss season.
Now, Edwards is in an unfamiliar position, assured of not only an MLB roster spot but a place at the top of the lineup.
"It's been different but I try to treat it the same way," he said. "You don't want to relax too much because obviously people are coming for that job. If I play my game, I think I'll be OK."
How humbling was the 2024 season for the 6-foot-5 right-hander?
First, he was demoted to Triple-A halfway through his fifth major-league season. After deciding to rehab a partially torn ligament in his elbow rather than undergo surgery, he struggled to regain his form, going 3-5 with a 5.11 ERA and allowing 19 home runs in 75 2/3 innings.
Second, his problems continued at Columbus, and he was left off the postseason roster when the Guardians won the AL Central title. McKenzie caught a number of fans by surprise when he attended two playoff games at Progressive Field.
“I wasn't really happy about being in the stands,” McKenzie told MLB.com. “But everybody was supportive. They all were like, ‘We want you out there!’”
Manager Stephen Vogt also wants him out there. McKenzie played a big part in the team's 2022 run to the division title (11-11, 2.96 ERA, 190 strikeouts) and appeared to be locked into the rotation before running into injury and control problems.
McKenzie trained at Cressey Sports Performance in Palm Beach Gardens over the winter and "finally had a healthy offseason for the first time in a while," Vogt said. But he has had a hard time getting batters out this spring, making Vogt's final roster decisions more difficult.
McKenzie, 27, is out of options, meaning he either needs to be on the major league roster or be exposed to waivers. He is likely to start the season in the bullpen in hopes he can make a breakthrough and move back into the rotation.
This could be the year it all comes together for the Diamondbacks' first baseman/outfielder.
Selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft, Smith made his MLB debut during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He became a full-time starter the following year and slashed .267/.328/.404 for a team that lost 110 games.
Since then, however, Smith has struggled to stay in the majors, shuttling between Phoenix and Triple-A Reno. He had one at-bat in the 2023 World Series, then began the 2024 season in Reno.
When he returned to the Diamondbacks in August, however, he had a new routine and a new level of confidence.
“A lot of times coming from college, you haven't really failed a whole lot,” said Smith, a three-year starter at Virginia. “So learning how to fail and learning how to get out of those failures ... it's definitely a learning process, a learning curve, because this level is just definitely above and beyond, harder than any other level.”
In 60 games, Smith batted .270 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs. He has continued to hit well this spring and could be Arizona's primary DH against right-handers while also getting time at first base and in the outfield.
“Pavin can hit," manager Torey Lovullo said. "I will stand here and tell you that every single time. So we don't want him to do anything differently — just continue to control the zone and have an all-field approach.”
At age 36, Mikolas' days with the Cardinals may be numbered.
While he has been a reliable innings-eater, making at least 32 starts in each of the past three seasons, his ERA climbed from 3.29 to 4.78 to 5.35. During that time, St. Louis went from first to last to second in the NL Central, finishing 83-79 last season but missing the playoffs.
If the team is rebuilding — and that seems to be up for debate — it may want to move on from Mikolas, who is entering the last year of a three-year, $55.8 million contract. He could be a prime target for a contender looking for a No. 4 or 5 starter.
"I am aware that this is a contract year for me going into free agency," he said. "Another All-Star appearance or 18 wins would go a long way. My agent would be super happy with that. Yeah, and my manager would be super happy with that."
Mikolas took a circuitous route to St. Louis. After playing for Jupiter High and Nova Southeastern University, he was drafted by the Padres in 2009. He spent most of the next six seasons in the minors, making brief MLB appearances with the Padres and Rangers, then played in Japan for three years.
He joined the Cardinals in 2018 — making the All-Star team at age 29 and finishing 18-4 with a 2.83 ERA — and has been a mainstay in the rotation ever since.
Brebbia has defied the odds as a 30th-round draft choice (Yankees, 2011) who has carved out a respectable MLB career.
After pitching for Wellington High and Elon University, he toiled for six years in the minors before getting a call-up from the Cardinals in 2017, two days before his 27th birthday. Despite later missing a year due to Tommy John surgery, he has been a dependable set-up man for seven seasons, leading the National League in appearances (76) with the Giants in 2022.
Brebbia began last year with the historically inept White Sox and struggled to an 0-6 record and 6.29 ERA. In a late-season appearance with the Braves, however, he showed enough in five games (2.70 ERA, nine strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings) to attract interest from other teams. He signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Tigers in the offseason.
Brebbia joins a Tigers bullpen that leveraged “pitching chaos” — the use of multiple relievers, often for short stints — into a wild-card playoff berth last season. They eliminated the Astros in two games before losing to the Guardians in an AL Division Series.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trea Turner, Jonathan India lead Palm Beach players on Opening Day rosters
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Trea Turner is still trying to live up to the 11-year, $300 million contract he signed two years ago.
Cam Smith, a long shot to make the roster entering spring training, has been fitted for an MLB uniform.
All three have one thing in common: They were Palm Beach County high school stars before reaching baseball's highest level.
In all, nine players who honed their skills on county fields will begin the season on MLB rosters this week. Half are everyday starters; the others are hoping to bounce back from subpar seasons.
Here's a look at the county's MLB honor roll:
Jonathan India, American Heritage-Delray/Royals
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Four years ago, he was the toast of Cincinnati.
India joined the Reds' lineup on opening day in 2021 and quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in part to his distinctive look — mustache, goatee and long, flowing hair. When he earned National League Rookie of the Year honors after slashing .269/.376/.459 with 34 doubles, 21 home runs and 69 RBIs, it appeared he would be a fixture in the infield for years to come.
Over the next three seasons, however, his production slipped a bit and the Reds started to unload veterans as part of a major rebuild. India's name began surfacing in trade rumors, so it didn't come as a shock when he received a call in November while vacationing with his family in Italy, telling him he had been dealt to the Royals.
"I kind of knew something was coming," he told MLB.com. "I think it was about time for me to head out. I was on the trade block for a couple years in Cincy and I think it was the right time to do it. ... It's tough, but I'm happy I'm here."
At 28, the former American Heritage-Delray and University of Florida standout is eager to get a fresh start in Kansas City. After a hot spring, he will bat leadoff for the Royals, just ahead of MVP candidate Bobby Witt. He's likely to play second base most of the time, but he also worked out at third base and in left field this spring to give manager Matt Quartaro more options.
“It’s a learning curve for sure,” India said. “I’ve never played outfield in my life. It’s definitely going to be tough at the beginning, but that’s everything in baseball, especially when you’re learning something new. So I’m up for the challenge."
Trea Turner, Park Vista/Phillies
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When the Phillies signed Turner to a rich free-agent deal in December 2022, they knew they were getting a two-time All-Star shortstop who won a World Series with the Nationals in 2019 and a National League batting title with the Dodgers in 2021.
Expectations were high for a team coming off its own World Series appearance, and Turner figured to be a player who could help get the Phillies over the top. But he struggled out of the gate, drawing the wrath of Philadelphia's demanding fans, and wound up hitting 30 points below his career average (.266/.320/.459).
Last year, Turner's overall numbers were up (.295/.338/.469), but he missed six weeks with a hamstring injury and went 3-for-15 in the NL Division Series loss to the Mets.
"It's not the good, consistent baseball that I want to play, personally," he told The Athletic. "I’ve obviously had really good stretches, but it’s those down trends that have been really bad. I feel like in the past, that’s not been the case. Put the ball in play more, take your walks, all those things. Obviously, I know those things, but you’re in the box and you’ve got to do it.”
Manager Rob Thomson has considered making Turner the leadoff hitter instead of batting him second behind Kyle Schwarber. Thomson used both players in the leadoff role this spring.
“As long as he's got the mindset of getting on base – and I think he does – being in the leadoff spot could help that a little bit,” Thomson said of Turner. “Because I think Trea's going to hit 20 or 25 home runs no matter what, at least. And if he can get on base at a .380 clip, whatever, score 100 runs – I mean, that's production.”
Cam Smith, Palm Beach Central/Astros
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Nine months after playing for Florida State in the College World Series, Smith has moved on to an even bigger stage.
How he got there has been nothing short of amazing.
After a big summer in the prestigious Cape Cod League and a brilliant sophomore season at FSU, Smith was drafted by the Cubs with the 14th overall pick last year. He played a total of 32 minor-league games in Low-A, High-A and Double-A.
Five months after being drafted, he learned he was part of a blockbuster trade. The Astros sent All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs for third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and Smith, who was likely ticketed for Triple-A.
But during spring training at the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, just a short drive from his high school, Smith started hitting and never stopped. He slashed .342/.419/.711 and handled a move to right field well enough that he earned an MLB roster spot.
“I’m just so blessed for this opportunity," Smith, 22, told The Athletic. "It’s obviously a dream come true. There are so many emotions going on right now.”
Manager Joe Espada is confident Smith can make a smooth transition.
“I think he can overcome a lot of things because he’s made the right way," Espada said. "My job will be to make sure we help him through the everyday grind in the big leagues. The stage here is huge. ... If we didn’t think he was tough enough and had the tools to handle this job, we would not be making the decision.”
Nolan Schanuel, Park Vista/Angels
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The Angels surprised draft experts when they took Schanuel with the No. 11 overall pick in 2023, then rushed him to the majors in less than six weeks.
Schanuel, one of college baseball's best hitters at Florida Atlantic, walked into a clubhouse that included Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout and acquitted himself well. He reached base in all 29 games, batted .275 with one home run and six RBIs, and played a solid first base.
When he reported to spring training last year, the goal was to hit for more power. Of his 30 MLB hits, 26 were singles. But Schanuel got away from what had made him a consistent hitter and started the season 4-for-43 (.093).
"I was pulling the ball, trying to hit homers," he told MLB.com. "I kind of got ahead of myself earlier in the year doing something I'm not used to doing."
Many teams would have sent Schanuel back to the minors at that point, but the Angels stuck with him. With the help of hitting coach Johnny Washington, he pulled out of his slump and went on to have a respectable season, hitting .251 and showing more pop with 19 doubles and 13 home runs.
Schanuel, 23, will continue his on-field training this season, batting second in the lineup ahead of Trout.
Xavier Edwards, Trinity Christian/Marlins
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Edwards' career has taken several detours since he starred on Trinity Christian's 2016 state championship team as a sophomore.
After three years at Trinity, Edwards transferred to North Broward Prep for his final two high school seasons. When the Padres made him the No. 38 overall pick in the 2018 draft, he passed up a scholarship offer from Vanderbilt to turn pro.
Edwards, a versatile infielder, then learned some hard lessons about the business of baseball. During six minor league seasons, he was traded twice, to the Rays in 2019 and to the Marlins in 2022. At every stop, Edwards hit for average and stole bases, but it appeared he would forever be labeled a "prospect."
Finally, during the Marlins' tumultuous 2024 season, Edwards got his big break. Called up from Triple-A Jacksonville just after midseason, he was inserted into the lineup at shortstop and put up All-Star numbers, batting .328 with 18 extra-base hits, 33 walks and 31 stolen bases. He was one of the few bright spots in a 100-loss season.
Now, Edwards is in an unfamiliar position, assured of not only an MLB roster spot but a place at the top of the lineup.
"It's been different but I try to treat it the same way," he said. "You don't want to relax too much because obviously people are coming for that job. If I play my game, I think I'll be OK."
Triston McKenzie, Royal Palm Beach/Guardians
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How humbling was the 2024 season for the 6-foot-5 right-hander?
First, he was demoted to Triple-A halfway through his fifth major-league season. After deciding to rehab a partially torn ligament in his elbow rather than undergo surgery, he struggled to regain his form, going 3-5 with a 5.11 ERA and allowing 19 home runs in 75 2/3 innings.
Second, his problems continued at Columbus, and he was left off the postseason roster when the Guardians won the AL Central title. McKenzie caught a number of fans by surprise when he attended two playoff games at Progressive Field.
“I wasn't really happy about being in the stands,” McKenzie told MLB.com. “But everybody was supportive. They all were like, ‘We want you out there!’”
Manager Stephen Vogt also wants him out there. McKenzie played a big part in the team's 2022 run to the division title (11-11, 2.96 ERA, 190 strikeouts) and appeared to be locked into the rotation before running into injury and control problems.
McKenzie trained at Cressey Sports Performance in Palm Beach Gardens over the winter and "finally had a healthy offseason for the first time in a while," Vogt said. But he has had a hard time getting batters out this spring, making Vogt's final roster decisions more difficult.
McKenzie, 27, is out of options, meaning he either needs to be on the major league roster or be exposed to waivers. He is likely to start the season in the bullpen in hopes he can make a breakthrough and move back into the rotation.
Pavin Smith, Palm Beach Gardens/Diamondbacks
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This could be the year it all comes together for the Diamondbacks' first baseman/outfielder.
Selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft, Smith made his MLB debut during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He became a full-time starter the following year and slashed .267/.328/.404 for a team that lost 110 games.
Since then, however, Smith has struggled to stay in the majors, shuttling between Phoenix and Triple-A Reno. He had one at-bat in the 2023 World Series, then began the 2024 season in Reno.
When he returned to the Diamondbacks in August, however, he had a new routine and a new level of confidence.
“A lot of times coming from college, you haven't really failed a whole lot,” said Smith, a three-year starter at Virginia. “So learning how to fail and learning how to get out of those failures ... it's definitely a learning process, a learning curve, because this level is just definitely above and beyond, harder than any other level.”
In 60 games, Smith batted .270 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs. He has continued to hit well this spring and could be Arizona's primary DH against right-handers while also getting time at first base and in the outfield.
“Pavin can hit," manager Torey Lovullo said. "I will stand here and tell you that every single time. So we don't want him to do anything differently — just continue to control the zone and have an all-field approach.”
Miles Mikolas, Jupiter/Cardinals
At age 36, Mikolas' days with the Cardinals may be numbered.
While he has been a reliable innings-eater, making at least 32 starts in each of the past three seasons, his ERA climbed from 3.29 to 4.78 to 5.35. During that time, St. Louis went from first to last to second in the NL Central, finishing 83-79 last season but missing the playoffs.
If the team is rebuilding — and that seems to be up for debate — it may want to move on from Mikolas, who is entering the last year of a three-year, $55.8 million contract. He could be a prime target for a contender looking for a No. 4 or 5 starter.
"I am aware that this is a contract year for me going into free agency," he said. "Another All-Star appearance or 18 wins would go a long way. My agent would be super happy with that. Yeah, and my manager would be super happy with that."
Mikolas took a circuitous route to St. Louis. After playing for Jupiter High and Nova Southeastern University, he was drafted by the Padres in 2009. He spent most of the next six seasons in the minors, making brief MLB appearances with the Padres and Rangers, then played in Japan for three years.
He joined the Cardinals in 2018 — making the All-Star team at age 29 and finishing 18-4 with a 2.83 ERA — and has been a mainstay in the rotation ever since.
John Brebbia, Wellington/Tigers
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Brebbia has defied the odds as a 30th-round draft choice (Yankees, 2011) who has carved out a respectable MLB career.
After pitching for Wellington High and Elon University, he toiled for six years in the minors before getting a call-up from the Cardinals in 2017, two days before his 27th birthday. Despite later missing a year due to Tommy John surgery, he has been a dependable set-up man for seven seasons, leading the National League in appearances (76) with the Giants in 2022.
Brebbia began last year with the historically inept White Sox and struggled to an 0-6 record and 6.29 ERA. In a late-season appearance with the Braves, however, he showed enough in five games (2.70 ERA, nine strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings) to attract interest from other teams. He signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Tigers in the offseason.
Brebbia joins a Tigers bullpen that leveraged “pitching chaos” — the use of multiple relievers, often for short stints — into a wild-card playoff berth last season. They eliminated the Astros in two games before losing to the Guardians in an AL Division Series.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trea Turner, Jonathan India lead Palm Beach players on Opening Day rosters
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