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 Center Cougars.

High School: Center Cougars
Head Coach: Jeff Wise
CIF Section: Sac Joaquin
Team Strengths: Pitching and experience.
2025 Record: 11-13-1
Returning Starters: 7

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• LHP/OF Andy Hintz (2026)
• LHP/1B Kaidon Howerton-Abernathy (2026)
• RHP/INF Anthony Hernandez (2026)
• UTIL Ruben Aguilar-Lopez (2026)
• C Gabe Rodriguez-Calouro (2027)
• RHP Sean Ryan (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• INF Reed White (2028)
• RHP/INF Logan Pawlak (2028)
• UTIL Jordan Chavez (2028)
• C Jules Mendoza (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Center Cougars head into the 2026 season with a roster built on pitching depth and returning experience under head coach Jeff Wise. After an 11–13–1 campaign and a CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 Playoff appearance in 2025, Center brings back seven starters and five pitchers, giving the Cougars continuity throughout the roster. With a veteran core and multiple arms capable of taking meaningful innings, Center should be well equipped to compete consistently throughout league play.

The returning uncommitted group is anchored by a strong senior class. LHP/OF Andy Hintz (2026), LHP/1B Kaidon Howerton-Abernathy (2026), and RHP/INF Anthony Hernandez (2026) will look to stabilize the Cougars’ pitching staff while also contributing to the lineup. Defensively, UTIL Ruben Aguilar-Lopez (2026) projects to get significant time at multiple positions. Behind the plate, C Gabe Rodriguez-Calouro (2027) will provide a steady presence, and RHP Sean Ryan (2027) adds further depth to the pitching staff.

The future of the program is reinforced by a solid group of underclassmen ready to push for roles. INF Reed White (2028), RHP/INF Logan Pawlak (2028), and UTIL Jordan Chavez (2028) add athleticism and versatility, while C Jules Mendoza (2029) represents a promising long-term piece. With experience on the mound and throughout the lineup, the Cougars enter 2026 positioned to take a step forward as continuity and further development begin to translate into wins.

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Quote from the Coach

“Given our experience, we should be competitive in a very strong league.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Center Cougars program below:
+ Prep Baseball California, Power 25 Homepage

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