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 California Condors.

High School: California Condors
Head Coach: Kyle Pine
CIF Section: Southern
Team Strengths: Defense and hitting.
2025 Record: 20-9
Returning Starters: 6

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• OF Luke Martinez (2027)
• RHP/3B/OF Adam Vitela (2027)
• INF Jacob Duarte (2027)
• C AJ Aparicio (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• INF Gio Lopez (2028)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

California enters 2026 coming off a CIF Southern Section Division 4 Playoff appearance and an impressive 20–9 season, with head coach Kyle Pine returning a group built on defense and timely hitting. With six returning starters back in the fold, the Condors should again be one of the cleaner defensive teams in their league, capable of turning balls in play into outs, with an offense built to support the pitching staff.

The core of the roster is a talented junior class that already plays with varsity experience. OF Luke Martinez (2027) profiles as a true impact bat at the top or middle of the order, combining power, plus speed, and strong instincts. RHP/3B/OF Adam Vitela (2027) gives the Condors a legitimate two-way presence, bringing a competitive edge on the mound with three quality pitches while also providing speed and arm strength across the field. Up the middle, INF Jacob Duarte (2027) adds steady defense and strong baseball IQ, while C AJ Aparicio (2027) anchors the team behind the plate with advanced receiving and game-management skills.

Although only three pitchers return, the overall athleticism of the roster should allow for flexibility in building a staff as the season progresses. INF Gio Lopez (2028) headlines a promising underclass group with his all-around tools and strong middle infield defensive actions, giving the Condors another dynamic piece to develop. If the pitching staff settles into consistent roles, California has the makeup to build on last year’s success and remain a factor deep into the 2026 season.

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Quote from the Coach

“We have a young core of players from last year returning as juniors this year. I’m excited about what this season has to hold with most of the team getting experience last year and returning with a renewed hunger to succeed.”

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Find more information on the 2026 California Condors program below:

+ @condor_baseball
+ High School Previews

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