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 Justin-Siena Braves.

High School: Justin-Siena Braves
Head Coach: Jeremy Tayson
CIF Section: North Coast
Team Strengths: Pitching and defense, with a blend of depth thanks to returning arms and kids moving up from Junior Varsity who figure to plug right in.
2025 Record: 20-7
Returning Starters: 4+

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• OF/1B Xiano Ortega (2026)
• INF/RHP Braeden Butler (2026)

• UTIL/RHP Peter Trovitch (2026)
• OF Dylan Arnold (2026)
• RHP/INF Connor Zuelhsdorff (2027)
• LHP/1B Alex Winske (2027)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Justin-Siena Braves enter 2026 coming off a strong 20–7 campaign and appear well-positioned to remain a playoff contender behind a foundation built on pitching depth and reliable defense. Following a CIF North Coast Section Division 2 Playoff appearance, head coach Jeremy Tayson returns a core that blends varsity experience with impactful reinforcements from a competitive Junior Varsity group. With four-plus starters and arms back, Justin-Siena should once again be difficult to score against and well-equipped to navigate a demanding schedule.

The senior class is led by a talented group of uncommitted prospects. OF/1B Xiano Ortega (2026) offers an allfields-approach, sound defense, and a proven track record as a two-sport all-leaguer. INF/RHP Braeden Butler (2026), a four-year starting shortstop, continues to be a mainstay of the infield and has made significant strides on the mound with legitimate swing-and-miss stuff, giving him impact potential on both sides of the ball. UTIL/RHP Peter Trovitch (2026) emerged over the summer and fall as a strike-thrower with a projectable 6-foot-3 frame, pairing low-to-mid 80s velocity with a capable bat that should earn him a meaningful role in the lineup. OF Dylan Arnold (2026) adds athleticism and speed, flashing a sub-7.00 60 yard time, and can produce low-90s exit velocity.

The underclass pitching depth further elevates the ceiling. RHP/INF Connor Zuelhsdorff (2027) showed big promise in limited varsity action, flashing mid-80s velocity and a solid off-speed stuff, while LHP/1B Alex Winske (2027) brings a unique look at 6-foot-8 with strike-throwing ability. The staff is headlined by RHP Griffin Messenger (2026), a Davidson commit and reigning VVAL and Napa County Co-Pitcher of the Year, who provides a proven front-line presence. With a blend of experience, projectable arms, and defensive consistency, Justin-Siena enters 2026 with the tools to contend deep into the postseason.

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Quote from the Coach

“We are excited about the 2026 season! We return a veteran group of players who, while being experienced and established, also have ample opportunity to take a step forward. Our rising juniors and sophomores are also on the come up. It is always great to see who puts their stamp on a season.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Justin-Siena Braves program below:

+ @JSBRAVEBSBL
+ Prep Baseball California, Power 25 Homepage

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