2026 Baseball Season Preview
CHULA VISTA, CA – As we step into the start of the 2026 season most community college programs reshuffle lineups and rotations annually, and Southwestern is no different. However, Southwestern is an established baseball program that enters the season with long-standing expectations of post season participation (24 out of the last 25 seasons). Post season is the norm and there are no moral victories or good vibes to be had – short of winning the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference or extending the season with appearing in the playoffs. The program's ability to handle attention to every detail, maintain a healthy roster, bounce back from set-backs, and peak at the right time will determine their ultimate success.
The JAGS
It's safe to expect a lot out of Southwestern, which has been nothing short of consistent under Jay Martel's leadership. The Jaguars wasted no time reinforcing their roster for a run in 2026. The Jags have the look of an experienced speedy defensive team with a productive offensive core to support quality arms who are in position to have prominent roles and throw meaningful innings.
UC San Diego commit Andrew Guevara, left handed pitcher Gavin Daley and second baseman Daniel Mora provide a critical core and headline a talented roster. Outfielders Josh Hughes, Bradley Phillips, Aaron Herrera, and Brendan Weiss as well as catcher Gabriel Lanier, bring similarly-high upside.
RETURNERS
Daniel Mora (2B)
Quick athletic complete player with consistent glove work. Agility and lateral range to cover ground to the left and right, handles hard-hit balls and makes plays on the run. A gap-to-gap type hitter who can produce a high on-base percentage. Ability to place hits and the power to drive the ball to maximize early run production. Speed around the basepaths to steal bases, take extra bases, and pressure the defense.
Andrew Guevara (1B)
Elite ability to catch, pick or scoop low short-hopped throws, agility to stretch to receive throws, and strong situational awareness around the bag. Consistently generates contact and drives the ball with power to capitalize on RBI opportunities. Ability to get on base, hit to all fields, and deliver dependable offensive output.
Gabriel Lanier (C)
Defensive proficiency. Good receiving/framing, blocking to secure pitches. Exchange speed, arm strength, pop time, and accuracy to throw out runners. Potential to deepen the batting lineup with productive situational hitting to move runners, hit sacrifice flies, and offer reliability at the plate.
Josh Hughes (RF)
Possesses a strong accurate arm to make long throws from deep right field to third base or home. Reads the ball off the bat, covers ground, and can cut-off line drives in the gap or down the line. Highly competitive and confidence to handle pressure moments. Expected to provide thump to the middle of the order with slugging, extra base hit capability to drive in runners from scoring positions.
NEW ADDITIONS
Gavin Daley (P/DH)
An impact southpaw arm who can anchor the rotation. Gives Southwestern valuable experience and physical maturity on the mound. A clean repeatable delivery with strong command. An 84-86 MPH fastball and a slide piece with sharp lateral movement to generate swings and misses. An offensive skillset and high-average hitter with power to drive the ball that profiles well at the top of the order
Aaron Herrera (CF)
Instincts, first-step reaction, speed, agility, and range to cover space in a hurry to take away hits, including diving or sliding catches if necessary. Strong carrying throws from the outfield to cut-offs, relays, or home plate. Expected to have productive at-bats and contribute significantly to the overall offensive output by making solid contact, getting on base, or advancing runners.
Brendan Weiss (LF/CF)
Ability to read the ball off the bat, take proper drop steps, and quick feet to track down balls and reliable hands to secure fly balls and grounders while minimizing extra base hits. Versatility to move between positions. Ability to be a reliable hitter who can produce in key moments.
Bradley Phillips (RF)
Corner outfielder with quick first step to maximize range, ability to track the ball immediately off the bat, and take efficient routes to cover ground. Accurate from deep right field to cut-off men, third base, or home plate. Anticipated to provide quality at-bats with the ability to execute team first offensive strategies.
2026 Season Schedule
As with every team in the state, the Jags are excited for the start of the 2026 baseball season. The schedule includes 14 non-conference and 25 conference games that will keep Southwestern sharp throughout the year while putting themselves in contention to pile up wins. The non-conference portion features three 30-win teams from last year (El Camino, Cerritos, Riverside), and six programs that reached the 2025 Southern California Regionals (Fullerton, Saddleback, LA Pierce, El Camino, Cerritos, Riverside).
Southwestern opens its 39-game slate that spans four months at Fullerton (Jan 27) and then returns home for a three-game homestand (Jan 29-31). A home game versus El Camino (Feb. 10) will offer an early season checkpoint as will road games at Cerritos (Feb. 14) and Riverside (Feb. 19).
Conference play will be a similar format to previous years, as the Jaguars will play a home-and-home series, followed by a three game series against Pacific Coast Athletic Conference teams.
Season Opener: Tuesday, January 27, at Fullerton (1:00 pm)
Home Opener: Thursday, January 29, vs. Barstow (1:00 pm)
PCAC Opener: Thursday, February 26, vs. Grossmont (1:00 pm)