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 Clovis Cougars.

High School: Clovis Cougars
Head Coach: J.D. Salles
CIF Section: Central Section
Team Strengths: Pitching.
2025 Record: 14-16
Returning Starters: 5

 

---

TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• LHP Jackson Efird (2026)
• LHP Caden Frantzich (2026)
• INF Nolan Brown (2026)
• C/3B Dayne Williams (2027)

---

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• 1B Brock Hartmann (2028)
• INF Jaden Garcia (2028)
• RHP/C Nate White (2028)
• C/OF Dylan Tirapelle (2028)
• 1B/RHP Auggie Godden (2028)

---

TEAM OUTLOOK

The Clovis Cougars enter the 2026 season with a clear identity built around pitching depth and underclassmen development. Head Coach J.D. Salles returns a strong corps on the mound, with six pitchers back from last year’s 14–16 squad, positioning the Cougars to compete well across the season. LHP Jackson Efird (2026) and LHP Caden Frantzich (2026) headline the uncommitted returners, joining TCU commit RHP Logan Georges (2026) to give Clovis three experienced arms capable of stabilizing the rotation. Offensively, the Cougars expect contributions from versatile pieces like INF Nolan Brown (2026) and C/3B Dayne Williams (2027), both of whom bring experience and positional flexibility.

A talented underclass group provides additional optimism for both 2026 and beyond. The sophomore class is headlined by potential impact bats such as 1B Brock Hartmann (2028), INF Jaden Garcia (2028), and C/OF Dylan Tirapelle (2028), all of whom are expected to push for lineup opportunities early in the season. Two-way players RHP/C Nate White (2028) and 1B/RHP Auggie Godden (2028) add further intrigue and depth, giving Clovis more options on both sides of the ball. With pitching as the foundation and a wave of young talent ready to emerge, the Cougars have the pieces to take a meaningful step forward as they look to climb above the .500 mark and into postseason contention.

---

Quote from the Coach

“We return a lot on the mound and will have some first year starters in the lineup. We had a good summer and this roster features nine football players and two wrestlers, which will add some toughness to our team. We will be scrappy, play hard, pitch and catch well, and have team at bats.”

---

Find more information on the 2025 Clovis High Cougars program below:

+ @CloHighBaseball
+ Prep Baseball California, Power 25 Homepage

---

FOLLOW US THROUGHOUT THE SPRING

+ Prep Baseball California on X
+ Prep Baseball California on Instagram
+ Prep Baseball California on Facebook
+ Prep Baseball California on YouTube

---

Related Content