Prep Baseball Report

CIF High School Preview: San Diego - South Inland Empire


By: Vinnie Alfino
Manager, Content & Operations

 

   

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SAN DIEGO, CALIF. -  With the CIF high school baseball season quickly approaching, Prep Baseball California is rolling out a series of preseason articles highlighting some of the top leagues, teams, and players across the state. To provide comprehensive coverage, California has been divided into four regions based on our staff’s coverage areas, with each staff member publishing their own preseason breakdown.

I will be covering the San Diego region, along with select areas of the Inland Empire. State Director Les Lukach will handle Orange County, the Inland Empire, and South Los Angeles. Associate Director SoCal Steven Hardesty will cover the North Los Angeles, Central Coast, High Desert, and Bakersfield regions. NorCal Scouting Director Hank LoForte will cover the Central Valley, Bay Area, Sac-Joaquin, and additional areas throughout Northern California.

Each preseason article will spotlight teams to know, players of interest, arms to track, and underclassmen to watch as the 2026 high school season gets underway.

VINNIE'S VIEWS: PRESEASON PREVIEW 

SAN DIEGO SECTION

Picks To Click: Open Division / Division I

Patrick Henry - 2025 Record: (23-11-1, Open Div. Runner-Up) 

Cathedral Catholic - 2025 Record: (19-12, D-I Semifinal)

Rancho Bernardo - 2025 Record: (21-13, D-I Runner-Up)

Don't Count Out

Eastlake - 2025 Record: (21-11-1, Open Div. Semifinal)

La Costa Canyon - 2025 Record: (16-12)

San Marcos - 2025 Record: (20-8-1) 

Dark Horses 

Carlsbad - 2025 Record: (17-12)

Point Loma - 2025 Record: (22-13-1, D-I Champion)

Granite Hills - 2025 Record (24-1-2, Open Div. Champion)

Picks To Click: Division II - Division V

Mt. Carmel - 2025 Record: (23-13, D-II Champion)

Coronado - 2025 Record: (22-10, D-II Semifinal)

Madison - 2025 Record: (22-8)

Mission Bay - 2025 Record: (23-8)

University City - 2025 Record: (23-12, D-III Champion)

Ramona - 2025 Record: (23-8, D-IV Champion)

Don't Count Out

Calexico - 2025 Record: (23-5-1, D-III Runner-Up)

Southwest EC - 2025 Record: (23-6)

San Pasqual - 2025 Record: (19-14, D-II Semifinal)

San Ysidro - 2025 Record: (21-13, D-II Runner-Up)

Dark Horses 

La Jolla - 2025 Record: (18-13)

Clairemont - 2025 Record: (21-9)

Note: The division placement of each team is simply based on where they were placed in the 2025 playoff bracket. Official 2026 divisional alignments will be released by CIF following the regular season's end.

San Diego's Finest

2026

Jayden Parker SS / OF / University City, CA / 2026 (INDIANA)

Jayden Parker, University City (CA), 2026 Indiana
Positional Profile: SS/OF High level athlete who shows strength in profile with intriging offensive potential and left side of the INF defensive skillset.
Body: 6-3, 200-pounds. Athletic frame with intriguing present physicality.
Hit: RHH. Slightly closed set up with knee bend and vertical upper body posture. Hands are set high above head height with elbows brought close together. Maintains waggle in his hands and bat. Hands shift down and back into the slot to start his load with a small forward stride into foot strike. Aggressive lower half turn with slight sink into his rear leg and tilt in his upper body during the turn. Hands connect well during the turn with an uphill barrel geared to generate loft. 72.1 mph bat speed with 18 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 85.8 mph. 351' max distance. Consistently in the air with his contact showing loft in the profile with strong present max EV. There is all fields power potential he polishes his approach.
Arm: RH. INF-88 mph. Glove tap after separation with comfort throwing from the ear. Throws have carry with solid present strength. Shows left side of INF long term profile.
Defense: Bouncy first step with quality rhythm to his footwork. Plays with confidence going laterally. Flashed comfort to playing both 1 or 2 handed.
ATH: 6.53 runner in the 60. 1.54 and 3.64 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. Burst off the line into a taller posture with ability to build and maintain speed while holding his line. 28.50 max vertical.
Vizual Edge: 68.6 Edge Score - (6/01/25)

 

Alex Harrington SS / RHP / Cathedral Catholic San Diego, CA / 2026 (STANFORD)

Harrington has long been a standout presence in San Diego baseball. Against Eastlake, it was more of the same. The profile continues to trend upward as he is tapping into more power while still maintaining and improving the strength and athleticism of the frame. Harrington has some unteachable competitiveness mixed with trained and learned awareness and game-sense. This allows him to always know what’s going on in the game, know where he’s supposed to be, and arguably more importantly as the shortstop, know where everyone else is supposed to be. Harrington has all these traits that allow him to affect the game without being in the box or with the ball in his hand. That being said, Harrington hit the eventual game-winning two-run home run. The barrel stays in the zone, getting on-plane early and creating a bat path geared towards line drives to all fields. Harrington got just under this one and blasted it for a no-doubt HR. He also collected another barrel to RF and got an infield single clocking ~ 4.3 seconds down the line. Harrington also grabbed a stolen base, advanced on a passed ball and scored Cathedral Catholic’s third run on another ball to the backstop. Gamechanger at SS. - (4/08/25)

Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 177.7 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall upright setup, starts on his toe and works into a long stride. Works downhill through the zone, throws his hands at the ball and looks to work the other way. 76.3 mph bat speed with 18g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 100 mph max exit velocity (94.7 avg.); 374-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 87.00 mph. Shorter, compact arm circle, 3/4 slot, showed accurate throws on the bag.
Defense: Athletic with a pre-pitch bounce, attacks the baseball in-stride, steady hands, one-hand gather. - (1/04/25)

AJ Curry 1B / OF / University City High, CA / 2026 (Tennessee)

AJ Curry, University City High (CA), 2026 Tennessee
Positional Profile: 1B/OF Intriguing offensive profile with power and the athleticisim to be a versatile defender.
Body: 6-2, 203-pounds. Strong present build with emerging strength in upper body to go with solid lower 1/2.
Hit: LHH. Narrow set up with feet under shoulders and a vertical posture. Hands are set high above ear with higher back elbow. Flat bat angle held near his head. Small sit into his rear knee with a small leg lift into a short forward move as he reaches launch. Hands push back and down into the slot. Stays taller in posture through the swing with scissor kick of lower 1/2. Uphill path with leverge/loft from line to line. Tilt in finish with upper body. 65.1 mph bat speed with 15 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 101 max exit velocity, averaged 96.9 mph. 379' max distance. Flashes impact with impressive present max EV and feel to elevate the baseball with authority. Power profile.
Arm: LH.
ATH: 6.77 runner in the 60. 1.60 and 3.77 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. Drives low off the line while building speed with ability to maintain line and quick strides with length. 25.80 max vertical.
Vizual Edge: 74.78 Edge Score - (6/01/25)

Parker Smith 3B / OF / Poway High, CA / 2026 (Michigan)

Parker Smith, Poway High (CA), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/OF Athletic, well-proportioned corner INF/OF with a core-driven swing, developing power gap to gap, and smooth, balanced defensive actions.
Body: 6-2, 187-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame with present strength and room for continued development.
Hit: RHH. Wide base with a quiet load into the back leg, high back elbow, and strong core-driven swing. Swing shows a slight uppercut with a heavy barrel and good extension, producing pull-side power with developing gap-to-gap potential as strength continues to build. 74.8 mph bat speed with 16 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 106 max exit velocity, averaged 91.9 mph. 361' max distance.
Arm: RH. OF-84 mph. Arm is quick and compact with consistent accuracy, working from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic defender with smooth lateral movement, staying low and balanced through the play. Corner INF/OF profile.
ATH: 6.73 runner in the 60. 1.57 and 3.73 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 23.70 max vertical.
Vizual Edge: 77.49 Edge Score - (7/30/25)

2027

Jose Partida LHP / 1B / Cathedral Catholic San Diego, CA / 2027 (ARIZONA ST.)

Partida continues to show a starter-type profile on the mound, working 88-91 mph with the fastball while commanding the arm side with minimal effort. He mixed in a 73-74 mph curveball and a 77 mph changeup, sequencing well against a deep, disciplined lineup in Huntington Beach. The delivery is smooth and repeatable, and the overall operation never looks forced, allowing his stuff to play consistently in the zone. Partida’s two-way ability was on full display as the night went on. After a slower start at the plate, his momentum shifted once he took the mound, and it carried back into the box where he won a 10-pitch battle and drove an opposite-field double to left-center. 2026 will be Partida's first full season with Cathedral Catholic after missing time last year due to the transfer rule. Having his bat and arm available from opening day could be a major difference-maker for CC, as they got out of the gates a bit slow in 2025. Partida's strong showing further solidifies that he will be toward the top of the list for must-follow '27 names this spring in San Diego. - (1/21/26)

Joshua Priest OF / SS / Cathedral Catholic San Diego, CA / 2027 (ARIZONA ST.)

Priest is one of a good few of 2027s on the varsity squad at Cathedral Catholic. He was hitting up in the two spot in his first game of the season following his transfer sit-out. After seeing him a couple of times last year, the frame has added considerable size and strength in both the upper and lower body. The swing last year could be considered violent, this year the power in the hands and barrel is still there, just with more restraint. Priest registered two hits, first going the other way with two strikes and then grabbing another single getting good extension up the middle. The swing is short and compact with an upward trajectory. What stood out for Priest in my viewings in 2024 was the defensive profile, he was a strong defender with an advanced arm playing at 2B/3B last year. It looks like he has been moved to a corner outfield position for this season where the athleticism and arm will have no issue transferring over. - (4/08/25)

2028

Nate Godbold SS / 3B / Mt. Carmel High, CA / 2028

Godbold looks to really be finding himself and getting more and more comfortable by the game as a freshman starting varsity for the Sundevils. I have seen him start at both SS and 3B for Mt. Carmel and he has looked the part playing both at a high level so far. Good actions with the glove and an arm that can play at both spots. He can throw on the run and moves well to his backhand side. His swing looks to be coming around well too and his two hit performance against Poway proved that. Godbold is a switch hitter and saw results from both sides of the plate in the contest. He barreled the ball 3 times, one from the right, a double, and two from the left, a single and a line out to LF. His setup is nearly identical from both sides and he has showcased good bat to ball skills in live games. Only being a ‘28, he has shown a mature approach that you don’t see from most freshman players with him having the ability to work the count and be patient, and have the ability to drive the ball the other way with authority. He has speed on the base paths and is simply just an athletic mover on the diamond with room to grow and fill out. Nate Godbold is going to be a name college coaches are going to want to keep an eye on over the next 4 years as he is already off to a good start to his HS career, hitting .294 through his first 6 games with a .368 OBP. - (3/21/25)

Daxton Hyde RHP / 3B / Mission Hills High, CA / 2028

Freshman right-hander and two-way athlete Daxton Hyde turned in a brief but highly intriguing outing for Mission Hills, continuing to flash the tools that make him one of the more projectable arms in the ‘28 class. At 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Hyde brings a long, athletic frame with present strength and plenty of room for physical growth. The body projects well, and his movement patterns—both on the mound and as a position player—suggest even more velocity and refinement to come. Hyde worked 83-86 mph with the FB, touching 87, and the pitch showed late life out of the hand with carry through the zone. He demonstrated the ability to challenge hitters up in the zone with confidence, creating uncomfortable at-bats despite limited innings. The FB played particularly well when elevated, often sneaking past barrels with late hop. His SL sat 72-75 mph and showed flashes of tight spin with short, late break, especially effective as a change-of-pace pitch after establishing the heater. While the command and feel of both pitches are still developing, the foundation is there for a true two-pitch mix with swing-and-miss potential. Even though his outing lasted just over two innings (2+ IP, 1 ER), Hyde made a strong impression with his presence and composure on the mound. He worked with poise, didn’t shy away from contact, and showed an understanding of how to sequence. His tempo is smooth, and he moves well down the mound, repeating a relatively compact delivery for his size. The arm action is clean and works from a high three-quarter slot, with solid extension and a finish that stays directional through his target. A two-sport varsity athlete (basketball), Hyde’s natural athleticism is evident across all aspects of his game. It translates not only to his delivery and mound presence but also to his ability as a position player, where he swings it from the right side and plays 3B and SS. Overall, Hyde checks a lot of early boxes: size, athleticism, arm speed, competitiveness, and projection. With continued development in pitch shaping, command, and overall polish, he has a chance to make a real jump over the next couple of years. He already carries himself with confidence and competes like a gamer, traits you love to see in a freshman. One of the more exciting names to follow in the 2028 class, Hyde is a NTK talent whose ceiling is as high as any in the state. Don’t be surprised to see his stock climb quickly as he continues to log varsity innings and refine an already promising two-way skill set. - (4/19/25)

Joel Vargas OF / RHP / Eastlake, CA / 2028

Vargas put together one of the more eye-opening performances of the event, headlined by an event-best 6.63 60-yard dash that immediately translates to his defensive profile in the outfield. He moves efficiently with ease, projecting as a long-term CF/RF option, and showed a long, fluid arm action during the defensive workout with accurate, on-line throws clocked at 83 mph. The bat was where Vargas really separated himself. He posted a 98.1 mph max exit velocity in BP, working with a gap-to-gap, line-drive approach and consistently squaring up the baseball. That approach carried into live gameplay, where he smoked a ball through the 5-6 hole for a base hit and also barreled a ball to second base, rounding out a strong two-AB showing. Seeing Vargas in live play for the second time, the offensive consistency continues to stand out, especially after an opposite-field home run back in May of the CIF-SD Section playoffs in the first viewing. With his present foot speed, a developing feel for the barrel, and a bat that has shown consistent results in live action, Vargas is proving why he is such a highly touted name out of San Diego. - (1/11/26)

 

Kensen Johnson SS / OF / Bonita Vista, CA / 2028

Kensen Johnson, Bonita Vista (CA), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/OF Power-hitting INF with raw athleticism and high upside on both sides of the ball.
Body: 6-3, 177-pounds. Long-limbed, athletic frame with strength present and room for continued physical development.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup with hands at ear level. Displays a high back elbow and vertical barrel. Initiates the load by sitting heavily into the back leg as the hands drift back with a methodical pace. Uses a small but pronounced leg kick for timing before a long, controlled stride forward. Aggressive hip turn as the stride foot lands creates solid separation, with hands flying through the zone and displaying elite bat speed. Uphill swing path generates consistent lift and carry to the pull side approach with present pop. 73.3 mph bat speed with 9 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 106 max exit velocity, averaged 93.7 mph. 408' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-91 mph. Length in arm path that works downward then up to a 3/4 slot. Displays aggressive arm action with present arm speed. Profiles for the left side of the infield, with room to add arm strength as the frame continues to develop.
Defense: Gets low in his pre-pitch setup, working with hands that stay low and move minimally into the gather. Uses short, compact strides to work around the ball. Displays raw athleticism that projects for an up-the-middle profile.
ATH: 7.06 runner in the 60. 1.63 and 3.90 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 22.00 max vertical.
Vizual Edge: 80.43 Edge Score - (7/30/25)

Arms To Follow

Tyson Bobo OF / RHP / Patrick Henry High School, CA / 2026 (Texas Tech)

Mateo Villanueva RHP / Coronado, CA / 2026 (SDSU)

Shoei Darvishsefat RHP / OF / Cathedral Catholic San Diego, CA / 2026 (UCSD)

Jonny Haskett RHP / St. Augustine High School, CA / 2026 (CAL)

Caden Dockan RHP / Rancho Bernardo, CA / 2026 (UCSD)

Jeremiah Jennings RHP / 1B / Madison High, CA / 2026 (UCSB)

Carter Tsai RHP / San Marcos , CA / 2026 (PLNU)

Owen Digenan RHP / 3B / Poway High, CA / 2027 (CSU FULLERTON)

Lukas Waite OF / RHP / Patrick Henry High School, CA / 2027

Lucas Yriqui RHP / 1B / Eastlake, CA / 2028

Names On The Rise

Brody Layne RHP / San Marcos, CA / 2026 (CSU FULLERTON)

Brody Brehm RHP / 1B / Rancho Bernardo High, CA / 2027

Robert Bering LHP / OF / Carlsbad, CA / 2027

Cody Reynolds LHP / 1B / Cathedral Catholic San Diego, CA / 2027


Landon Palmer SS / C / RHP / Point Loma High, CA / 2028

Luke Wooten RHP / SS / Scripps Ranch High, CA / 2028

Romeo Briones LHP / 1B / Helix, CA / 2028

Noah Sumner C / 3B / San Marcos High, CA / 2028

Micah Mecucci OF / 3B / Mission Hills High, CA / 2028

Uncommitted Players To Know

2026

Ian Brooke C / OF / Patrick Henry High School, CA / 2026

Brady Strachan OF / Rancho Bernardo High, CA / 2026

Jose Ortega RHP / OF / Calexico High, CA / 2026

2027

Maxwell Stewart 1B / OF / Cathedral Catholic, CA / 2027

Will Blanton OF / 3B / Cathedral Catholic San Diego, CA / 2027

Liam Stigers OF / 1B / Carlsbad High, CA / 2027

Max Adams SS / 2B / Carlsbad, CA / 2027

Zack Nightingale OF / 1B / Ramona High, CA / 2027

INLAND EMPIRE (SOUTH)

Southwestern League Spotlight

Pick To Click

Temecula Valley: 2025 Record: (19-12)

Don't Count Out

Vista Murrieta: 2025 Record: (23-6-1)

Dark Horse

Murrieta Mesa: 2025 Record: (16-13) 

Other Teams To Know In The IE South

Elsinore: 2025 Record: (23-8, D-V CIF-SS Champion)

Temescal Canyon: 2025 Record: (22-6-1)

Note: For the purposes of this coverage, the “South Inland Empire” refers primarily to the Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore areas.

Returning Standouts

2026

Taytum Reeves C / 1B / Vista Murrieta, CA / 2026 (TEXAS TECH)

Reeves made the trip up from the Inland Empire, and the Texas Tech commit backstop made a strong impression with his overall showing. Strongly built presently at 5'10 183.3 lbs with solid present athletic ability running a 6.78 60 yard time, posting a 1.60 10 yard and 3.77 30 yard splits while reaching a peak run speed of 20.4 MPH. His athletic ability translates into his work behind the plate, where he shows high-level catch and throw tools that were on display during the workout with an 81 MPH C arm velocity and 1.93-2.00 pop time range, plus in-game with clean receiving actions. His bat shows high-level ability including strength in his swing with a 97 MPH max exit velocity, 345' max distance and identical 46% hard hit and sweet spot rates while producing a 67% fly ball/line drive rate during his batting practice session. His offensive profile showed during the sim game when he stung a single to leftfield at over 95 MPH and drew a walk over the course of his three at-bats. - (6/01/25)

Chase Hilt 3B / 1B / Temecula Valley, CA / 2026 (TCU)

Hilt continued to swing a hot bat, picking up two more hits and raising his season average up to .447 (21-for-47). The future Horned Frog has been one of the most productive and consistent players in the Temecula area this spring. He leads the Golden Bears in nearly every major offensive category, including average, hits, OBP, runs, RBIs, slugging, and doubles. Through 47 at-bats, Hilt has tallied 17 runs scored, 6 doubles, 1 home run, and has shown gap-to-gap power with a line-drive-heavy approach. He’s disciplined in the box, rarely chases, and has minimal swing and miss. The approach is mature and repeatable, with a quiet setup and smooth barrel path that allows him to adjust mid-pitch and hit to all fields. On the mound, Hilt brings added value as a legitimate two-way talent. He’s posted a 1.60 ERA this season, giving his team quality innings and showing the same poise and feel he demonstrates offensively. With Temecula Valley now 10-7, with a 3-2 league record, Hilt is continuing to be a tone-setter for them and looks every bit the part of a future impact player at the next level. - (4/16/25)

Taden Krogsgaard RHP / 3B Temecula Valley High, CA / 2026 (UCLA)

Krogsgaard made the trip out to LakePoint for the 2024 Prep Baseball Future Games and showed an intriguing two-way profile. He showed well in the workout with a top EV of 97.6 and threw 86 across the infield. In game, Krogsgaard shined bright on the mound. He arguably faced one of the best slate of hitters of the day and struck out three batters with a true three pitch of a FB from 86.5-91.5 mph and 2400+ spin, a controlled slider at 75.3-77.9 averaging 2581 rpms, and a splitter/changeup at 79-81. He mixed effectively and kept hitters off-balance and always guessing. The spots were located on the edges and just outside the zone, not allowing hitters to get off good swings. - (1/04/25)

2027

Andrew Jimenez SS / Elsinore High, CA / 2027 (VIRGINIA)

Making a strong case as the Mountain Pass League Player of the Year , Jimenez made winning plays out of the leadoff spot to help power the Tigers to a Co-League title this afternoon. In my first live look of the dynamic SS, Jimenez wasted no time making an impact reaching base on a squared up GB that ate up the second baseman and got things going in the 1st. He immediately made his presence known by stealing 2nd and 3rd base before later scoring on a base hit. He wound up scoring two runs, swiping three bags, and creating pressure throughout with his elite quickness and savvy baseball instincts before it was all said and done. Jimenez smoked two baseballs in the win and walked in his ABs before being subbed out in the 5th with the game already intact for EHS. While at the plate, Jimenez operates with a confident, upright setup and a short, twitchy swing geared for line drives and hard contact to all fields. He showed the ability to get on base, immediately turn it into scoring opportunities with aggressive reads, and set the tone from the top of the order. He’s hitting a scorching .451 on the season with 2 HRs and a 1.266 OPS — numbers that speak to both his consistency and ability to generate extra-base power despite his lean, athletic frame. On the basepaths, Jimenez showed advanced instincts and aggressive reads, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses. All three of his stolen bases came off sharp jumps, and he showed no hesitation on going in early counts. He plays with confidence and flair but maintains a high level of control and awareness of game situation. Defensively, Jimenez checks every box as a MIF prospect. He moves with fluidity and quick first steps. His arm strength is already present and projects to stick comfortably on the left side, showing enough carry across the diamond to make off-balance throws look routine. What stood out most about Jimenez in this look was his all-around impact — not just one tool shining, but a complete player who can change the game in multiple ways. He was arguably the most valuable player in the game despite not recording an official hit, which I think speaks volume to the kind of player he is. Jimenez brings value every inning. Ranked as the No. 5 SS in California for the 2027 class, he lived up to the billing strictly from the B2B skills and the High IQ/athleticism he flashed on the bases. The ceiling is high, and with continued physical development, Jimenez has the tools to be a premier name in the ‘27 class. - (5/07/25)

Griffin Fien OF / UTL / Chaparral High, CA / 2027

I continue to be impressed by Fien as this was my 2nd viewing of him in as many weeks. He continues to hit at a high level this spring and has emerged as one of the most consistent offensive producers across the San Diego and Temecula area in the ‘27 class. The Chaparral standout added to his already impressive season with another strong showing, this time patrolling CF, just a week after looking just as comfortable at 2B against Murrieta Mesa. That versatility has been a major asset for the Pumas, and he’s showing he can impact the game in multiple ways. At the plate, Fien brings a balanced swing that allows him to drive the ball to all fields. He’s consistently on time, barrels the baseball with regularity, and rarely gets off his approach. There’s a calm presence in the box and the results speak for themselves. Through 54 at-bats, Fien is hitting a scorching .481 with 3 HRs, 5 doubles, 2 triples, 23 RBIs, and 18 runs scored. He’s also posted a 1.323 OPS, showcasing his ability to hit for average, power, and get on base. The offensive impact is real, and he’s doing it while moving around the field and handling different defensive responsibilities with ease. Fien’s blend of production, versatility, and feel for the game makes him one of the more intriguing young players in the area—and a name that’s firmly on the radar moving forward. - (4/16/25)

Alexander Elizondo RHP / Murrieta Valley High, CA / 2027 (UCLA)

Elizondo impressed in a three-inning relief appearance, flashing a high-upside profile and the kind of raw tools that project well long term. He worked 89-90 mph with the FB, showing life through the zone and a clean release out of a wiry, athletic frame. The arm action is loose and whippy, generating late explosion with minimal effort, and there’s plenty of room for added velocity as he continues to develop physically. Elizondo effectively tunneled his heater with a short, late-breaking SL at 76-78 mph, a pitch he showed comfort throwing in different counts. He also mixed in a slower 71-73 mph CB that created a different shape and helped disrupt timing. That developing three-pitch mix, along with his ability to land both secondaries for strikes, allowed him to work efficiently and miss barrels throughout his outing. He allowed 2 runs in the 6th when the game was already out of hand but for the most part, was throwing like the score was 0-0. Though still in the early stages of polishing his full arsenal, Elizondo’s present stuff and feel for sequencing already flash above his age level. There’s still refinement ahead, but he’s trending in the right direction, showing poise, strike-throwing ability, and a frame that will continue to hold strength. One of the more intriguing young arms in the area with plenty of ceiling to project on. - (4/21/25)

2028

Tyce Johnson SS / Linfield Christian School, CA / 2028

Johnson arrived at the San Diego Preseason All-State as one of four top-20 ranked players in the state for the 2028 class, currently sitting at No. 17, and did nothing but strengthen his case as one of California’s premier young prospects. A true long-term shortstop with elite athleticism, Johnson’s day began with a 6.79 60-yard dash, a notable jump from his 7.01 time recorded in September at the West Coast Super Sophomore Games. In BP, he showed off the offensive ability with a 99.5 mph max exit velocity (92.2 avg), 358-foot max batted distance, and a 75% hard-hit rate, supported by plus hand speed (23.9 mph) and bat speed peaking at 76.7 mph. While there is a slight hitch in the swing, it continues to smooth out, and when he’s on time, the path through the zone is fluid and efficient. Defensively, Johnson may have been the standout of the entire event. He arguably took the smoothest round of defense at shortstop during the workout, showing soft hands, no wasted actions, and one of the quickest, most compact releases in attendance. His arm strength peaked at 87 mph across the diamond, pairing well with his internal clock and accuracy. That defensive excellence carried directly into game action, where Johnson made two full-extension, leaping catches on line drives at second base, drawing a smile even from himself after the second grab. He capped off the day offensively with a base hit the other way in one of his three plate appearances, completing a truly well-rounded performance. With the toolset, MLB bloodlines, and off-the-charts athleticism, Johnson continues to establish himself as one of the fastest-rising names in the 2028 class. - (1/11/26)

Names On The Rise

Grayson Martin RHP / Temecula Valley High, CA / 2026 (CBU)

Stafford Johnson SS / OF / Temecula Valley High, CA / 2027

Sam Pink SS / 2B / Great Oak High, CA / 2027 (SDSU)

Wes Gomes C / 1B / Murrieta Valley High, CA / 2027

 

 

Rourke Julio RHP / 3B / Vista Murrieta, CA / 2029

Uncommitted Players To Know

Jacob Farias RHP / 3B / Elsinore High, CA / 2026

Tanner Blackmon 1B / LHP / Murrieta Mesa High, CA / 2026

Rocco Pugliese SS / 2B / Temecula Valley, CA / 2026

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