Elijah Duarte, Jr., SS/C 6’2 | 175lbCollege Commitment: Cal Baptist UniversityPrevious Season Stats: Average - 330, OBP - 386, 7 - 2b's , 15 RBI's, .958 fielding %Awards: First team all Palomares, All southern section second teamCoaches Note: Elijah Duarte is the kind of player every team wants. Coming from a strong baseball background - His father played professionally and now coaches at the college level which has helped mold Elijah into the player he is today. Elijah has an exceptional baseball IQ and a great understanding of the game. He does all the little things right, plays a sound defense, and consistently finds barrels at the plate. He was a key piece of our success last season, and we'll rely on him to continue leading the way this year.
Jaden Valenzuela, Jr. OF/LHP | 6’2 | 165lbCollege Commitment: Uncommitted Previous Season Stats: AVG - 326, OBP - 426, doubles - 5, triples - 3, HR -2 , stolen bases - 10 out of 11 chancesCoaches Note: Jaden Valenzuela is an electrifying player with a unique blend of athleticism and raw talent. He's a twitchy, high energy athlete who runs a 6.6 60-yard dash, has an upper-80's arm, and possesses sneaky power when he gets lift in his swing. As a sophomore, his natural ability allowed him to make an impact, but this fall, we've seen everything start to come together. We expect a big season from him, both as a dynamic presence in our lineup and as a key arm on the mound. Currently uncommitted, Valenzuela is a player college coaches should be all over. He has tools you simply can't teach and continues to improve every day.
Codey Brown, So., C | 6’1 | 170lbsCollege Commitment: Uncommitted Previous Season Stats: Varsity stats as a freshmenAverage - 301, doubles - 5 HR - 1, rbi - 14, stolen bases 5 for 5, 40% caught stealing rate - threw out 10 of 25Awards: First team all PalomaresCoaches Note: In 2023, we graduated a four-year starting catcher who went on to play at the D1 college level, leaving big shoes to fill. As a freshman, Codey Brown stepped up and did just that. He won the job early in the fall and never looked back, becoming a key part of our success last season. Behind the plate, he anchored a pitching staff that finished with a 2.54 ERA and proved to be a plus defender. Offensively, he more than held his own, hitting over .300 against top-tier competition - an impressive feat for any freshman at the varsity level.This season, Codey will be a fixture at the top of our lineup while continuing to lead our staff as the starting catcher. If he builds on his strong freshman campaign, I have no doubt college coaches will be lining up to call him come August 1st.
Caleb Trugman, Jr., 1B/3B/RHP | 6’5 | 205lbCollege Commitment: UC Santa BarbaraPrevious Season Stats: Pitching, IP 70, Record 6-2, SO 77, BB 22, ERA 1.71 WHIP 1.057, BAA .200Hitting: avg .427, OBP 509, Hits 41, 2b's 9, HR 1, RBI 21, 6 strike outs in 114 plate appearancesAwards: First team all Palomares, First team all CIFCoaches Note: Caleb is a special talent with the potential to be one of the best to come out of Ayala. As a two-year starter, he's already made a significant impact and is closing in on multiple school records, both offensively and on the mound. He's the kind of player who can take over a game on both sides of the ball, and he proved that last season - especially down the stretch when we needed him most.
Aiden Erlandsen, Sr. | 5’1 | 170lbCollege Commitment: Uncommitted Previous Season Stats: Avg 290, OBP 445, 2B 5, 3B 2, HR 2, 27 runs scored, 23 BB, 13 stolen basesAwards: Second Team All Palomares leagueCoaches Note: Aiden Erlandsen is a four-year varsity starter who has been a key contributor for us throughout his career. He has an advanced hit tool, gets on base at a high rate, and runs well. In practice, the ball jumps off his bat, and he regularly leaves the yard. We're excited to see the power translate into games as he gears up for a big senior season.