The 2026 California high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across California.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in their respective CIF Section Championship Game, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview these individual programs across California. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across California. Each week we will be releasing our Power 25, Players of the Week, Diamond Notes, podcasts, and much more.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today with the Arcadia Apaches

High School: Arcadia Apaches
Head Coach: Nick Lemas
CIF Section: Southern Section
Team Strengths: Defense, lineup full of veterans, and a solid 1-2 on the mound.
2025 Record: 26-4
Returning Starters: 7

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• 3B/OF Matt Manzo (2026)

• UTIL Aiden Soto (2026)

• UTIL Evan Skinner (2026)
• RHP Isaiah Spencer (2026)
• C Maverick Silva (2026)
• SS Jordan Vogel (2027)
• UTIL/RHP Tyler Brereton (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• RHP/OF Owen Edwards (2028)
• INF/RHP Armando Minaya (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Arcadia Apaches enter 2026 riding the momentum of a strong 26–4 campaign and a CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoff appearance, returning a veteran-heavy roster that prides itself on defense and consistency. Head coach Nick Lemas brings back seven starters and five pitchers, giving the Apaches a strong foundation built on experience. With a reliable pair of arms headlining the rotation and a lineup filled with battle-tested pieces, Arcadia again profiles as a well-rounded club

The senior class anchors much of that stability. 3B/OF Matt Manzo (2026) will anchor the left side of the infield and patrol center field, while also offering pitching depth. UTIL Aiden Soto (2026) brings legitimate strength with power to all fields, while UTIL Evan Skinner (2026) adds the ability to play across the diamond and continues to show an improving offensive profile. On the mound, RHP Isaiah Spencer (2026) offers a dependable arm with a solid fastball and a plus changeup, complemented defensively by C Maverick Silva (2026), who will handle the pitching staff. The junior class adds further upside, highlighted by SS Jordan Vogel (2027), a high-level athlete with a polished bat and plus defense at shortstop, and UTIL/RHP Tyler Brereton (2027), a physically imposing two-way threat with middle-of-the-order potential.

Arcadia’s future also remains bright with impactful underclassmen in the pipeline. RHP/OF Owen Edwards (2028) is a high-upside two-sport athlete who contributes on both sides of the ball, while INF/RHP Armando Minaya (2029) already flashes advanced tools in a big, physical frame. The Apaches are further bolstered by 2026 commits in LHP/1B Damian Catano (St. Mary’s), RHP Peter Cuoco (Monmouth), and UTIL Julian Salmon (William Penn). With depth, defensive strength, and a mature lineup, Arcadia looks well-positioned to sustain its winning standard in 2026.

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Quote from the Coach

“We've got the experience and talent to be one of the better teams we've ever had at Arcadia. We don't have as much depth as I'd like, but our starting group will be very solid. We’re strong, athletic, and experienced.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Arcadia Apaches program below:

+ @ArcadiaBaseball
+ Prep Baseball California, Power 25 Homepage

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