OTC PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Jared Picco Building a Championship Résumé Beyond His Years

At just 18 years old, the Newfoundland standout is already an ISC World Champion, Canadian Senior National Champion and two-time U20 All-Star.

PLACENTIA, NL — Most 18-year-old fastpitch players are still working toward establishing themselves at the junior level.

Jared Picco is already gaining experience alongside some of the biggest names in the sport.

The young Newfoundland and Labrador standout has emerged as one of Canada's promising up-and-coming men's fastpitch talents, building an impressive résumé that includes an ISC World Tournament championship with Hill United, a Canadian Senior Men's National Championship with the Galway Hitmen, international experience with Team Canada and back-to-back U20 National All-Star selections.

For a player who only turned 18 in May, it's been a remarkable start to his career.

An ISC Championship and an Opportunity to Learn

One of the highlights of Picco's 2026 season came when he was part of the Hill United Chiefs squad that captured the ISC World Tournament championship.

Although Picco served primarily in a reserve role, seeing limited action as a pinch runner, the experience provided an opportunity to be part of one of the most accomplished organizations in men's fastpitch.

The ISC World Tournament is widely regarded as one of the sport's premier events, featuring elite players and teams from around the world.

For a young player still developing his game, being surrounded by experienced international competitors and witnessing the preparation, intensity and expectations required to win at that level can be invaluable.

While Picco wasn't a regular in the lineup, his place on the championship roster added another significant experience to his rapidly developing career.

Making His Mark at the U20 Nationals

While his opportunities were limited at the ISC level, Picco demonstrated his abilities when competing against players in his own age group.

At the 2026 U20 Men's Canadian Fast Pitch Championship in Carp, Ontario, the left-handed hitter delivered an outstanding performance for Newfoundland and Labrador.

In seven games, Picco batted .391, collecting nine hits, including two home runs, while scoring nine runs and stealing six bases.

His impressive 1.203 OPS earned him an All-Star selection as an outfielder for the second consecutive year.

Although Newfoundland and Labrador finished seventh with a 2–5 record, Picco's offensive production was one of the bright spots for the provincial representatives.

The recognition continued a trend of individual success at the national level, following All-Star honours at both the U17 and U20 Canadian championships in 2025.

Three National Championships in One Month

Picco's 2026 season was also remarkable for the amount of high-level competition he experienced.

During August, he competed at the U20, U23 and senior men's Canadian championships, testing himself against players at three different stages of their careers.

At the U23 Nationals, Picco batted .313, scored nine runs, stole six bases and posted an impressive .522 on-base percentage.

Combined with his intermediate league appearances, he finished August with a .349 batting average, 24 runs scored, 13 stolen bases and a .960 OPS across 21 games.

His willingness to compete against older, more experienced players has become an important part of his development.

A Canadian Senior Championship With Galway

Picco's experience at the senior level began before his ISC championship season.

In 2025, he was part of the Galway Hitmen squad that captured the Canadian Senior Men's Fast Pitch Championship.

The Newfoundland powerhouse featured established stars such as Brad Ezekiel, Jason Hill, Shane Boland and Colin Walsh.

For Picco, being part of that championship environment provided another opportunity to learn from players who have spent years competing at the highest levels of the sport.

With the 2026 ISC title added to his résumé, Picco has now been part of championship-winning teams at both the Canadian senior and ISC levels before his 19th birthday.

Wearing the Maple Leaf

Picco has also made his mark internationally.

In October 2025, he represented Canada at the U18 Men's Pan American Championship in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, helping the national team capture a bronze medal.

One of his standout performances came against Mexico, when he recorded a triple, drove in three runs and scored twice during Canada's 10–8 victory.

Canada finished the tournament with a 5–1 record, providing Picco with an international medal as part of the national team program.

The experience also allowed him to compete alongside several other emerging Canadian talents.

Speed, Versatility and a Left-Handed Bat

While Picco has demonstrated the ability to drive the ball, his offensive game extends well beyond power.

A left-handed hitter who throws right-handed, Picco has shown versatility defensively while using his speed to create opportunities on the basepaths.

During August 2026 alone, he stole 13 bases across 21 games, including six each at the U20 and U23 national championships.

His ability to reach base consistently has also become an important part of his offensive production, highlighted by a .522 on-base percentage at the U23 Nationals.

It's a combination of speed, plate discipline and developing power that makes Picco an interesting prospect as he continues his transition into senior men's fastpitch.

Could Team Canada's U23 Program Be Next?

With the 2028 U23 Men's Fastpitch World Cup approaching, Picco is among the young Canadian players whose development will be worth monitoring.

Born May 17, 2008, he should remain age-eligible for the tournament, subject to the competition's official eligibility requirements.

His experience already includes an international medal with Canada, multiple junior national All-Star selections and exposure to championship environments at both the Canadian senior and ISC levels.

While none of those accomplishments guarantees a future national team selection, they provide a strong foundation for a player looking to establish himself among Canada's next generation.

A Remarkable Start, With Plenty Still Ahead

Newfoundland and Labrador has a long and proud history of producing outstanding men's fastpitch talent.

From established international stars to the next generation working its way through the ranks, the province continues to play an important role in the Canadian game.

Jared Picco is quickly becoming another name worth following.

At just 18 years old, his growing list of accomplishments includes membership on an ISC World Tournament championship team, a Canadian Senior Men's National Championship, a U18 Pan American bronze medal and two consecutive U20 National All-Star selections.

The challenge now will be continuing that development, building on his experiences and establishing himself as a consistent contributor at the senior and international levels.

But Picco has already demonstrated that he can make an impact against his peers while gaining valuable experience alongside some of the sport's best.

And for the young Newfoundlander, the journey is only getting started.

Outside The Chute Player Spotlight | October 2026

Outside The Chute — Bringing you closer to the players, personalities and stories that make fastpitch softball great.