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 Buchanan Bears.

High School: Buchanan Bears
Head Coach: Brad Fontes
CIF Section: Central
Team Strengths: Offensive execution and speed.
2025 Record: 25-5
Returning Starters: 7

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• OF Zach Williams (2026)
• LHP Alex Nevarez (2026)
• RHP Mark Nevarez (2026)
• RHP Wyatt Goodrich (2026)
• 3B/OF Corbin Culver (2027)
• OF/RHP Cayden Deck (2027)
• INF Trent Eisele (2027)
• C Kai Katoch (2027)

• UTIL Carvell Wafer (2027)
• OF Brock Williams (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• INF/C Tommy Devany (2028)
• UTIL Brighton Miller (2028)
• OF Brennan Finegan (2029)
• OF Mason Finegan (2029)
• INF Bryce Ortiz (2029)
• JT Labanderia (2029)
• RHP/3B Deegan Holquin (2029)

• OF/RHP Noah Juarez (2029)
• 1B/LHP RJ Dotson (2029)
• 1B JD Maciel (2029)
• C Xavier Rodarte (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Buchanan Bears roll into 2026 on the heels of a deep playoff run. Fresh off a 25–5 season and CIF Central Section semifinals appearance, head coach Brad Fontes returns seven starters, giving the lineup a sense of continuity as the Bears look to take a step forward. With a team identity rooted in offensive execution and speed, Buchanan once again profiles as a group that can pressure opponents from the jump.

A deep group of uncommitted returnees will look to spark the offense. OF Zach Williams (2026), 3B/OF Corbin Culver (2027), OF/RHP Cayden Deck (2027), INF Trent Eisele, C Kai Katoch (2027), UTIL Carvell Wafer (2027), and OF Brock Williams (2027) form a core that layers athleticism on top of offensive upside. On the mound, brothers LHP Alex Nevarez (2026) and RHP Mark Nevarez (2026) return, alongside RHP Wyatt Goodrich (2026) to form an experienced pitching staff. Add in 2026 commits in OF Austin Finegan (Cal) and OF/LHP Adam Plascencia (UCSD) and 2027 commit SS Jaxon Climer (Cal Poly), the Bears carry a potent, top-of-the-order and top-of-the-roster presence that feels primed for another strong season.

The future looks bright for Buchanan, with a new wave of underclass talent looking to make their mark on the program. The 2028 and 2029 groups are stocked with emerging contributors like INF/C Tommy Devany (2028), UTIL Brighton Miller (2028), brothers OF Brennan Finegan (2029) and OF Mason Finegan (2029), INF Bryce Ortiz (2029), RHP/3B Deegan Holquin (2029), OF/RHP Noah Juarez (2029), 1B/LHP RJ Dotson (2029), and more. Their presence gives the Bears a strong look at the future, with potential to make an immediate impact in the 2026 season. With reliable starters, explosive offense, and a pipeline that seems stocked with emerging future talent, the Bears enter the new season with high hopes.

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Quote from the Coach

“Given the number of returning starters and our strong offensive identity, we are cautiously optimistic about this upcoming season.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Buchanan Bears program below:

+ @Buchanan_Bears
+ Prep Baseball California, Power 25 Homepage

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