The 2026 Mississippi 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 Mississippi.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons at Pearl’s Trustmark Park, in the State Tournament finals at the end of May, 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 individual teams across Mississippi. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

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. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

High School: Strayhorn Mustangs
Head Coach: Michael Vinson
MHSAA Classification: 2A
District Number: 2
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 10-15 (Second Round Playoffs)

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• CF/LHP Aiyden Saulsberry (2029)
• INF/RHP Maury Balderrama (2028)
• C Landon Brister (2028)
• INF/RHP Trevor Bateman (2026)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

• LHP Trevor Bateman
• RHP Aiyden Saulsberry
• RHP Maury Balderrama

More Names to Know

2027s:

• Morgan Moore (2027)

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TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

• Aiyden Saulsberry
• Landon Brister
• Maury Balderrama
• Brycen Hill

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2026 OUTLOOK

+ Strayhorn heads into the 2026 season looking to build momentum off a second-round playoff appearance in Class 2A, leaning heavily on a young but battle-tested core that has already logged varsity innings well beyond their years. Under head coach Michael Vinson, the Mustangs may have a modest returning record on paper, but the experience level and upside of this roster suggests a team capable of taking a step forward within District 2.

The lineup is anchored by one of the youngest, most intriguing talents in the classification in CF/LHP Aiyden Saulsberry. The 2029 is a true toolshed type with speed, athleticism, and left-handed impact on both sides of the ball. His ability to pressure defenses offensively while also providing innings on the mound gives Strayhorn a dynamic piece to build around. In the infield, Maury Balderrama returns for his fourth season as a varsity starter after breaking in as a seventh grader. While not physically imposing, Balderrama’s baseball IQ, instincts, and athleticism consistently translate to production, making him a stabilizing presence up the middle and a reliable arm option.

Behind the plate, Landon Brister enters his third year as the starting catcher, bringing continuity to the pitching staff and leadership beyond his age. His experience handling games and controlling the run game will be critical for a young Mustangs staff. The lone senior with significant varsity experience, Trevor Bateman, becomes the tone-setter for the 2026 group. The 6-foot-1 right-hander owns a strong baseball frame and projects as Strayhorn’s go-to arm, expected to shoulder the bulk of the innings in key district matchups.

On the pitching side, Strayhorn brings back its primary arms in Bateman, Saulsberry, and Balderrama, giving the Mustangs multiple looks and the ability to mix handedness throughout a series. The depth will be tested, but the returning experience provides a foundation to remain competitive week in and week out. Additional pieces like Morgan Moore and underclassmen Brycen Hill add depth and developmental upside as the season progresses.

With a roster that blends an experienced senior leader, multi-year varsity starters, and high-ceiling underclassmen, Strayhorn enters 2026 as a program trending upward. If the young core continues to develop and the pitching staff can consistently throw strikes, the Mustangs have the makeup of a team that can push deeper into the postseason and establish itself as a tough out in Class 2A.

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Find more information on Strayhorn High School’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on Facebook: Strayhorn High School Athletics
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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