The 2026 Texas 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 Texas.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Austin at the UIL State Tournament in June, 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 Texas. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 30 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: Manvel Mavericks
Head Coach: Brian Roberts
UIL Classification: 22-6A
Team Strengths: Experience in the lineup & quality pitching staff
2025 Record: 12-12
Key Players Lost: N/A

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• C Gabriel Roberts (2026) - 2nd Team All-District C
  
• RHP Jesus Merlo (2026) - 1st Team All-District P
• 3B Jayden Thompson (2027) - 1st Team All-District 3B
• Number of Returning Position Players: 7
• Number of Returning Starting Pitchers: 3
• Number of Returning Relief Pitchers: 5

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COACH’S QUOTE

“With 7 returning starters, we hope to win a few more close games that we didn’t pull out last season. Our infield defense is definitely a plus, and the top of our pitching staff is looking to shine. We’re hoping our experience from last year will help us score more runs to take some pressure off our pitching staff.”

- Brian Roberts, Manvel Head Coach

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TEAM OUTLOOK

As the 2026 season approaches, the Manvel Mavericks are looking to build upon their even 12-12 record from the previous year. Competing in District 22-6A, the team is defined by a significant amount of returning experience, particularly within a lineup that features seven returning starters. This veteran core is expected to provide more consistency at the plate and alleviate pressure on a pitching staff that showed potential last spring.

The roster is highlighted by several high-impact returning players who earned All-District honors in 2025. Senior catcher Gabriel Roberts, a Second Team All-District selection, provides a steady presence behind the plate, while senior right-handed pitcher Jesus Merlo returns as a First Team All-District ace atop the rotation. At the hot corner, junior third baseman Jayden Thompson also brings First Team All-District accolades to the infield. With three returning starting pitchers and five relief arms back in the fold, the Mavericks enter the season with the depth and defensive stability required to compete for a playoff berth in 2026.

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Find more information on the 2026 Manvel program below:

+ Manvel 2026 Schedule
+ Follow on X/Twitter: @ManvelBaseball
+ Prep Baseball Texas Team Preview Page

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