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 Rodriguez Mustangs.

High School: Rodriguez Mustangs
Head Coach: Damien Beasley
CIF Section: Sac-Joaquin
Team Strengths: Speed, pitching, and hitting.
2025 Record: 21-9
Returning Starters: 6

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• INF/OF Jack Jacobson (2026)
• OF/INF Drew Beasley (2027)

• C Benjaman "BJ" Smith (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• UTIL Gideon Mayo (2028)
• INF Jasar Lopes (2028)
• C/3B/RHP Nateo Victorio (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Rodriguez enters the 2026 season coming off a strong 21–9 campaign, and head coach Damien Beasley’s Mustangs look well positioned to build on the success of a CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 Playoff appearance. Speed, pitching, and hitting form the backbone of this roster, with six returning starters and five returning pitchers providing continuity across the diamond. Pacific commit RHP Nick Schikore (2026) headlines the pitching staff, bringing frontline experience on the mound, while Cal Poly commit RHP/1B Justin Gregory (2027) adds two-way value as both an arm and a bat. With multiple pitchers back and an athletic group throughout the lineup, Rodriguez has the depth to compete consistently over the course of a long spring.

Offensively, the Mustangs return key contributors in INF/OF Jack Jacobson (2026) andOF/INF Drew Beasley (2027). Behind the plate, C Benjaman "BJ" Smith (2027) continues to develop into an important piece of the lineup and behind the dish, giving Rodriguez a steady presence at catcher. The program also features promising young talent, including UTIL Gideon Mayo (2028), INF Jasar Lopes (2028), and C/3B/RHP Nateo Victorio (2029) already flashing intriguing three-way potential as a catcher, corner infielder, and right-hander.

With a balanced attack built on team speed, a deep pitching corps, and an improving offense, the Mustangs have the tools to remain a factor in 2026. If their returning arms set the tone early and the lineup follows suit, Rodriguez has the makeup of a team capable of another strong season and another deep postseason run.

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Quote from the Coach

“Given the experience of our returning players, we should remain competitive throughout the Spring.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Rodriguez Mustangs program below:

+ @rodbaseball_
+ High School Previews

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