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 Gahr Gladiators.

High School: Gahr Gladiators
Head Coach: Gerardo Perez
CIF Section: Southern
Team Strengths: Pitching and hitting.
2025 Record: 17-13
Returning Starters: 9

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• C Oscar Grijalva (2026)

• OF/INF Julian Lucero (2026)

• RHP Anthony Ward (2026)
• INF/OF Chris Vera (2027)

• RHP Carlos Munoz (2027)
• OF Nico Lagunas (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• RHP/OF Luis Alonzo (2028)
• RHP/OF Branden Martinez (2028)
• INF Mark “MJ” Redaja (2029)
• 1B/RHP Robert Reyna (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Gahr Gladiators enter 2026 with confidence after a solid 17–13 campaign and CIF Southern Section Division 2 Playoff appearance, returning a deep and talented core under head coach Gerardo Perez. Pitching and hitting remain clear strengths, highlighted by an experienced group that brings back nine starters and six pitchers. The Gladiators should be well-positioned to compete immediately, with the ability to impact games on both sides of the ball and strong depth throughout.

The lineup features a mix of proven seniors and high-impact underclassmen. C Oscar Grijalva (2026) displays strong defense behind the plate, with elite arm strength, and emerging pop at the plate. OF/INF Julian Lucero (2026) will provide versatility, starting in center field and sliding to shortstop when needed, while RHP Anthony Ward (2026) will take the ball in key starts. The 2027 class brings energy and upside, led by spark plug INF/OF Chris Vera, strike-throwing RHP Carlos Munoz, and OF Nico Lagunas, who shows some pop in his bat. Talented underclassmen such as RHP/OF Luis Alonzo (2028), RHP/OF Branden Martinez (2028), and INF Mark “MJ” Redaja (2029) are expected to make immediate impacts, adding power arms, athleticism, and middle-of-the-order potential.

Gahr’s ceiling is elevated by an impressive group of college commits who headline the pitching staff and lineup. USC commits SS/RHP Andres Gonzalez (2026) and OF/RHP Bryce Morrison (2026) will display their versatility, with Gonzalez expected to close games and Morrison contributing as a starter on the mound. Oregon commit RHP Jake Ourique (2026) adds another frontline arm, while Cal State Northridge commits C Nate Guangorena (2026) and LHP Jorge Valdez (2026) strengthen the overall pitching staff with a middle-of-the-order catcher and a dependable left-hander. Pikeville commit OF/RHP Alexander Brown (2026) gives the bullpen another weapon with his deceptive arm action. With depth, experience, and high-end talent throughout the roster, the Gladiators enter 2026 as a well-rounded group capable of making a strong postseason push.

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Quote from the Coach

“On paper, this should be one of the most exciting and well rounded teams we have had. A blend of power arms and power bats combined with a handful of West Coast players. The roster is full of experience on the mound and up the middle.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Gahr Gladiators program below:

+ @GahrBaseballl
+ Prep Baseball California, Power 25 Homepage

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