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 St. Francis Sharks

High School: St. Francis Sharks
Head Coach: Ken Nakagawa
CIF Section: Central Coast
Team Strengths: Plenty of young arms, defense.
2025 Record: 15-15
Returning Starters: 5

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• 1B/OF/LHP Nick Fantl (2027)
• 3B/RHP Max Madrigal (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• INF/C Noah Magana (2028)
• C/OF/RHP Jacob Fonseca (2029)
• RHP/OF Brooks Drake (2029)
• LHP/OF Angelo Chavez (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The St. Francis Sharks enter 2026 looking to build on a .500 campaign from a season ago, returning a roster that blends defensive ability with an encouraging wave of young pitching. After wrapping up the 2025 season as the CIF Central Coast Section Division 4 runner-up, head coach Ken Nakagawa welcomes back five starters and three pitchers, with team defense once again expected to be a steady foundation. As younger arms continue to develop and experience builds throughout this young core, St. Francis projects as a group capable of taking a step forward within a competitive landscape.

The lineup is anchored by a pair of key returning upperclassmen in 1B/OF/LHP Nick Fantl (2027) and 3B/RHP Max Madrigal (2027). Fantl offers versatility on both sides of the ball and provides length to the lineup, while Madrigal brings a strong corner presence with added value on the mound. Their continued growth will be central to the Sharks’ ability to create offensive consistency and compete against opposing lineups.

Depth and upside are highlighted by a promising underclass group, including INF/C Noah Magana (2028), C/OF/RHP Jacob Fonseca (2029), RHP/OF Brooks Drake (2029), and LHP/OF Angelo Chavez (2029). Each brings athleticism and versatility, particularly on the pitching side, where St. Francis is rich with youthful arms. As these players gain varsity experience, the Sharks’ long-term outlook remains bright, with 2026 serving as a key developmental year toward future contention, while still looking to remain competitive.

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Quote from the Coach

“We have a young group with plenty of talent. Despite having no returning seniors, we plan to rely on our young arms and defense and will look to stay competitive.”

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Find more information on the 2026 St. Francis Sharks program below:
+ Prep Baseball California, Power 25 Homepage

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