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 Rancho Mirage Rattlers.

High School: Rancho Mirage Rattlers
Head Coach: David Shaw
CIF Section: Southern
Team Strengths: Players with experience and leadership returning from back to back CIF Semifinals teams.
2025 Record: 19-14
Returning Starters: 7

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• C Jaden Labit (2026)
• INF/RHP Gael Martinez (2026)
• OF/RHP Jaime Ochoa (2026)
• OF Jesus Gutierrez (2026)
• OF Josiah Thrasher (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• INF Ezra Aparicio (2028)
• OF Brandon Anguiano (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Coming off back-to-back CIF Southern Section Division 6 Semifinals appearances, Rancho Mirage enters 2026 with a seasoned, confident group under head coach David Shaw. The Rattlers finished 19–14 in 2025 and return seven starters from a roster that understands what postseason baseball demands. Experience and leadership are clear strengths, with a veteran core that has been tested in high-leverage moments and should provide stability throughout the spring.

The lineup is anchored by standout C Jaden Labit (2026), a four-year starter and perennial all-league performer who controls the game defensively. INF/RHP Gael Martinez (2026) brings athleticism and arm strength, both in the infield and on the mound, while OF/RHP Jaime Ochoa (2026) provides middle-of-the-order power with a disciplined approach. OF Jesus Gutierrez (2026) adds speed, defensive value, and an all-fields approach, while OF Josiah Thrasher (2027) profiles as a plus defender who can set the tone with his range and arm strength.

Younger pieces like INF Ezra Aparicio (2028) and OF Brandon Anguiano (2029) add further upside to an already deep roster, giving the Rattlers quality depth behind their veteran group. With three pitchers returning and a strong defensive foundation behind them, Rancho Mirage is built to win close games and handle pressure situations. Led by experienced position players and a 2026 commit in RHP Zachary Berntsen (Biola) on the mound, this group has the makeup of another postseason-caliber team with expectations firmly set on another strong season.

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Quote from the Coach

“We’re looking forward to another competitive season, while battling for Top 2 finish in our league and hopefully making it past the CIF Semifinals this year!”

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Find more information on the 2026 Rancho Mirage Rattlers program below:

+ @RMHS_Rattlers
+ Prep Baseball California, Power 25 Homepage

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