The 2026 high school baseball season is quickly approaching, and as usual, excitement abounds 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 Florida.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in the FHSAA state championships, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. Today, we will continue to release our 2026 Preseason Power 25 Team Rankings. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with a new team each day.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state.

*Please note the information has been gathered from head coaches across the state, based on their replies to the questionnaire we distributed over this offseason.

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The Mater Academy Lions enter the Preseason Power 25 at #9 as the reigning FHSAA Class 5A state champions, having stormed from a 1-5 start to a 25-9-1 finish in 2025 with an undefeated playoff run. The Lions capped their comeback with a 6-1 victory over Wesley Chapel in the state final. They also rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat Fort Myers 8-5 in the semifinals. This marked their first state title in 11 years, powered by pitching, defense, and resilience.

Head Coach: Humberto Bencomo

Follow Them: @materacademybaseball

2025 Recap: Overcame an early 1-5 hole to post 25-9-1 overall, claiming the Class 5A state championship.

Key Departures: Eiker Noguera, Alfrin Rosario, Vladi Baldepina, Bryan Arrita, Jueri La Rosa (key contributors from the title run).

Top Returners and Newcomers:

80% of the team returns, mostly juniors and seniors, with great additions for depth.

• Top Returning Players:
• (2026) Yodelkis Quevedo - 3B
• (2026) Brandon Lorenzo - SS
• (2026) Jonathan Esponda - OF/1B
• (2026) Dylan Fernández - OF
• (2026) Adrián Pena - RHP
• (2026) Gabriel Granadillo - RHP
• (2026) Steven Gonzalez - RHP
• (2028) Bryan Mesa - INF
• (2026) Michael Vigil - RHP
• (2026) Leodan Rodriguez - LHP
• (2027) Jaden Lao - RHP
• (2028) Jacob Amador
• (2027) William Mederos - C

Projected Starting Pitchers: TBD (depth from players like Steven Gonzalez, Adrián Pena, Michael Vigil, Leodan Rodriguez, Gabriel Granadillo, Jaden Lao—pitching is a core strength).

Projected Starting Lineup: TBD (senior/junior-heavy with Quevedo at 3B, Lorenzo at SS, Esponda/Fernández in OF, and young additions filling spots).

Impact Underclassmen: Bryan Mesa (2028, key young talent), Jacob Amador (2028)—poised for contributions in a deep roster.

Team Outlook:

Strengths: Pitching & defense (foundation of the championship run), with 80% returners (juniors/seniors) and great additions.

Coach's Quote: "We have 80% of our team back with some great additions, and they are juniors and Seniors. With us being blessed and winning States this past year and with having all these guys back, it’s a good chance to be able to be back in Fort Myers, God Willing!"

Standout Players:

• Top Seniors (2026): Yodelkis Quevedo (3B), Brandon Lorenzo (SS), Jonathan Esponda (OF/1B), Dylan Fernández (OF), Steven Gonzalez (RHP), Adrian Pena (RHP), Michael Vigil (RHP), Leodan Rodriguez (LHP).
• Top Juniors (2027): Jaden Lao (RHP), Gabriel Granadillo (RHP), William Mederos (C).

At #9 in the Preseason Power 25, Mater Academy returns a veteran core of juniors/seniors who powered last year's title run—pitching, defense, and championship experience position the Lions as strong contenders to repeat in Class 5A.

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