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 Laguna Creek Cardinals.

High School: Laguna Creek Cardinals
Head Coach: Zach Evans
CIF Section: Sac-Joaquin
Team Strengths: Experience, pitching, and defense.
2025 Record: 13-14
Returning Starters: 6

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• C Ryan Eddy (2026)
• OF Quincy Radney (2026)
• OF/1B Nick Jones (2026)

• LHP/1B Noah Reid (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• OF Julian Jasper (2028)
• C/INF Jesus Ponce (2028)

• RHP/1B Austin Swank (2028)
• RHP/INF Isaiah Mayorga (2028)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Laguna Creek Cardinals head into 2026 looking to take a step forward behind a more experienced roster built on pitching and defense after finishing 13–14 in 2025. Head coach Zach Evans welcomes back six starters and four pitchers from a CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 Playoff squad, giving the Cardinals a solid foundation on both sides of the ball. With a year of varsity reps under their belts and several impact transfers added to the mix, Laguna Creek expects to be more consistent and competitive as the spring unfolds.

The senior class brings key uncommitted contributors, led by C Ryan Eddy (2026), who hits to all fields and moves well behind the plate. Transfers OF Quincy Radney (2026) and OF/1B Nick Jones (2026) add speed and power to the lineup, with Radney projecting as a plus defender across the outfield and Jones adding good feel for the barrel. LHP/1B Noah Reid (2027) gives the Cardinals a dependable arm, while also contributing at first base with a contact-oriented approach and speed on the bases.

The underclass group adds intriguing upside, highlighted by OF Julian Jasper (2028), who displays multiple plus tools C/INF Jesus Ponce (2028) continues to make rapid strides, while RHP/1B Austin Swank (2028) and RHP/INF Isaiah Mayorga (2028) provide young pitching depth with advanced command for their age. With improved depth on the mound, athleticism throughout the lineup, and a growing core of young talent, Laguna Creek enters 2026 positioned to turn experience into wins and make noise in league play.

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Quote from the Coach

“We are a senior heavy team with key returners and additions. Our guys are a determined, hard-working group that learned a lot through our first year in the Delta League. We intend to lean on our senior heavy roster and use their experience as a strength. We feel we can compete in every aspect of the game.“

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Find more information on the 2026 Laguna Creek Cardinals program below:

+ @CoachEvansLCHS
+ High School Previews

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