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 Santiago Sharks.

High School: Santiago Sharks
Head Coach: Ty De Trinidad
CIF Section: Southern Section
Team Strengths: Pitching.
2025 Record: 16-11
Returning Starters: 4

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• RHP Garrett Fedak (2026)
• C Luke Bacon (2027)

• OF Charlie Lemons (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• RHP/1B Striker Pence (2028)

• RHP Ayden White (2028)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Santiago Sharks enter 2026 with a clear identity rooted in pitching strength and a staff capable of overpowering lineups on a nightly basis. Head Coach Ty De Trinidad returns four pitchers and four starters from last year’s 16–11 squad, giving the Sharks a stable foundation as they look to take another step forward. The staff will again be a difference-maker, with RHP Garrett Fedak (2026) set to anchor late-game situations as the team’s primary fireman out of the bullpen. Behind the plate, C Luke Bacon (2027) brings a steady presence and a mature offensive approach from the left side, while OF Charlie Lemons (2027) is expected to provide a spark both defensively and at the plate.

The underclass talent is as electric as any in the region, headlined by RHP/1B Striker Pence (2028), who brings high velocity and is one of the most exciting young arms in the state. Fellow RHP Ayden White (2028) also figures to be a key arm, pairing good composure and command on the mound. Santiago also features three key college commits with 2026 commits in RHP/OF Tommy Padilla (UC Irvine) and LHP/OF Troy Khasaempanth (UC Irvine), along with 2027 commit RHP Ben Lewis (Oklahoma State), with each expected to play significant roles throughout the season. With frontline velocity, experienced returners, and high-upside youth, the Sharks are positioned to be a tough matchup throughout the 2026 season.

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Quote from the Coach

“With the strength of our pitching staff, we will have a chance to compete near the top of the conference.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Santiago Sharks program below:

+ @sharksbasebal
+ Prep Baseball California, Power 25 Homepage

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