James Tronstein of Harvard-Westlake has earned The Times' player of the year title for the 2026 baseball season, following a remarkable turnaround after a challenging previous summer. Despite not making the U18 national team finalists list, Tronstein focused on self-improvement, resulting in a stellar season where he batted .531, recorded 52 hits, and hit 10 home runs. Weighing in at 6 feet and 170 pounds, he successfully transitioned from center fielder to shortstop, a move that contributed to his team's success. Coach Jared Halpert praised Tronstein's maturity and ability to handle failure, which transformed his approach to the game. Tronstein's leadership qualities became evident as he supported his teammates and took guidance from former stars. His efforts were instrumental in helping Harvard-Westlake clinch the Mission League title and reach the Southern Section Division 1 semifinals. Tronstein's achievements have positioned him as a potential high draft pick and a significant player in the future of baseball.