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 San Mateo Bearcats.

High School: San Mateo Bearcats
Head Coach: Neal Goldstein
CIF Section: CCS
Team Strengths: Pitching; #1 and #2 SP’s returning
2025 Record: 12-15
Returning Starters: 7

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• SS Tyce Copus (2026)
• 3B/RHP Jesus Olivas (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• OF/LHP Wilson Morales (2028)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Bearcats step into 2026 with a team ready to take the next step forward. Head Coach Neal Goldstein returns a roster heavy on experience, boasting seven starters and six pitchers back from a 2025 group that finished 12–15, but displayed plenty of upside. The strength of the squad lies on the mound, where both the No. 1 and No. 2 starters return to anchor a rotation that should keep San Mateo in every game. With a more seasoned defense behind them and a deep pitching staff, the Bearcats enter the spring with a strong foundation.

Offensively and defensively, the lineup has some intriguing pieces that might turn steady progress into a leap. SS Tyce Copus (2026) leads the way with a strong defensive presence, who stabilizes the infield, and carries the look of a breakout candidate. 3B/RHP Jesus Olivas (2027) brings a big, strong frame with two-way potential. Add in the program’s promising underclassman, OF/LHP Wilson Morales (2028) provides two-way talent with upside.

There’s also top-end polish on the pitching side thanks to LHP Christian Louie (2026), an MIT commit with strong mound presence to the staff. With a reliable rotation, maturing bats, and intriguing young talent, the Bearcats appear positioned for a meaningful step forward. If the offense can supply support, San Mateo has the ingredients to surprise opponents and reassert itself in league play.

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Quote from the Coach

“Very strong outlook for this upcoming 2026 season, with all of our pitchers returning from last season.”

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Find more information on the 2026 San Mateo Bearcats program below:

+ @SanMateoHI
+ Prep Baseball California, Power 25 Homepage

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