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 Valencia Vikings.

High School: Valencia Vikings
Head Coach: Tim Pennell
CIF Section: Southern
Team Strengths: Defense and overall consistency.
2025 Record: 16-16
Returning Starters: 7

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• LHP/1B Justin Gaisford (2026)

• C/1B Tyler Wertz (2026)
• 3B/UTIL Zach Davis (2026)
• OF Kyle Josing (2026)

• C/1B Jack Yamamura (2026)
• 2B Dylan Lapa (2026)
• RHP Dexton Otton (2026)
• SS Cole DeYoung (2027)

• OF Evan Conrad (2027)
• OF Santino Cascione (2027)
• 2B/UTIL JT Gurne (2027)

• 1B Ryan Nguyen (2027)
• RHP Tennyson Enneking (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• SS Brady Ruffner (2028)
• RHP Steven Genovese III (2028)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Valencia heads into the 2026 season on the heels of a .500 campaign that showed flashes of what this group can become under head coach Tim Pennell. With defense and overall consistency as the foundation of the program, the Vikings return seven starters and three pitchers, giving them a stable core to lean on as they look to build off a CIF Southern Section Division 4 Playoff appearance. The experience across the roster should allow Valencia to establish their identity, on both sides of the ball, early on in the season.

The senior class is loaded with position-player depth and leadership. LHP/1B Justin Gaisford (2026) provides a key two-way presence as a left-handed arm and middle of the order bat, while C/1B Tyler Wertz (2026) and C/1B Jack Yamamura (2026) give the Vikings a strong tandem behind the plate and at first base. 3B/UTIL Zach Davis (2026) and 2B Dylan Lapa (2026) bring will flank SS Cole DeYoung (2027) to form a solid infield core. On the mound, RHP Dexton Otton (2026) will be a key cog in a pitching staff that will be asked to handle big innings.

There is also encouraging depth in the younger classes. OF Evan Conrad (2027) and OF Santino Cascione (2027) will play integral roles in the outfield, while 2B/UTIL JT Gurne (2027) and 1B Ryan Nguyen (2027) give the coaching staff lineup flexibility. Looking ahead, SS Brady Ruffner (2028) and RHP Steven Genovese III (2028) represent the next wave of contributors. With a defensive-minded approach, a veteran senior class, and improving consistency, Valencia has the pieces in place to take a step forward in 2026 and push toward the top of the league.

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Quote from the Coach

“We’re striving for a strong push at a Foothill League title. We have a strong returning senior class that will be taking on leadership roles.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Valencia Vikings program below:

+ @valenciabasebal
+ High School Previews

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