The 17-year-old will travel to Florida today after being selected in Major League Baseball’s World Select Team featuring 29 of the most promising amateur players on the planet.
The selection process was lengthy, with information from state associations combined with recommendations from local scouts sent to the MLB, which had the final say on picks.
The South Fremantle student could play in as many as eight games against MLB affiliates and other international teams in front of college coaches and MLB scouts.
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READ NOW“I want to play professionally in America,” Wright said.
“It’s going to be tough, real tough, but I’m going to give it my best.”
Wright will take hope from Australians who have gone before him.
Ulrich Bojarski (Detroit Tigers), Jack O’Loughlin (Detroit Tigers) and Jordan McArdle (Arizona Diamondbacks) all signed professional contracts after competing in the same series in 2016.
Wright, who plays state baseball for the Melville Braves, should feel pretty comfortable overseas, having toured there four times.
But he said there would be added pressure because of the quality of teams involved.
Baseball Australia’s high performance manager Glenn Williams said the series was an incredible opportunity for aspiring players.
“To have the chance to play with some of the best up-and-coming prospects from around the world and compete against professional teams in professional complexes is something that will be extremely beneficial for the players on this trip,” he said.
Also heading overseas are West Australians Jess Williams and Alex Hall.