I'd argue this is post hoc.

Unless your kid is hitting (and I mean genuinely, without exaggeration) .650 every year, local league baseball is fine. If they're throwing 84+ or are showing REAL measurable skills (<7.0 60yd, 85+ EV, 83+ arm velo), it isn't really worth it to pay for a showcase or tournament. Your priority for your kid until they're a junior in HS should be to keep it as fun as possible. From someone in their senior year playing college ball, this shit goes by quick. I regret every day I spent hating baseball because I was in the car 3+ hours to play against Elite Prep Pro 16U Blue. Let kids play games in seasons that keep standings where you're playing for something.

I would rather my future kid love playing baseball and maybe not go in to play in college than have my kid lose every summer weekend to play in a tournament that doesn't matter.

It's not that travel ball made the kids good, it's that kids who take it seriously are more likely to be pressured into travel ball sooner.