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After a difficult 2025 season, the Cabrillo baseball program enters the Spring looking for stability, growth and a fresh start. The Jaguars finished tied with Compton at 1–11 in Moore League play last year, a result that reflected a young roster and a program searching for continuity.
That continuity now comes in the form of Murphy Su’a, who takes over as head coach after leading Lawndale High School to a CIF playoff appearance last season. Su’a officially joined Cabrillo in mid-November, inheriting a program with limited time to reset before the start of the season. Su’a has had numerous coaching stops including a nearly two-decade stint at the helm at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
“It’s a work in progress,” Su’a said. “We’re coming along, but there’s a lot of groundwork that has to be done.”
Despite the late start, Su’a has been encouraged by the response from the Cabrillo community.
“The families are incredible. The parents are amazing,” he said. “They’re really supportive, and that matters when you’re trying to build something the right way.”
Cabrillo’s roster this season will lean heavily on youth, particularly a freshman class that Su’a believes can contribute immediately. The Jaguars could start multiple freshmen on any given day, depending on health and pitching availability.
“At any given time, we could have one or two freshmen starting, and realistically we could have as many as five,” Su’a said. “That’s part of the challenge, but it’s also part of the excitement.”
The Jaguars return a core of juniors and seniors who will be asked to lead both on and off the field. Ricky Barron and Eli Torres anchor the middle infield, while senior Adam Rosales provides versatility at third base, first base and on the mound. In the outfield, senior Bendito Diaz brings experience and athleticism to center field.
Rosales will look to be a key contributor for the Jags and was the Moore League MVP after the Gateway versus Moore League All-Star game at the end of last season.
“I try to lead by example,” Rosales said. “I try to live by example and hope the guys fall in line.”
One of Su’a’s biggest priorities early on has been improving the team’s understanding of the game itself.
“The biggest teach right now is baseball IQ,” Su’a said. “Understanding the rules, the exceptions to the rules, and recognizing opportunities — whether it’s getting an extra out or advancing a runner. That’s something we’re really emphasizing.”
That emphasis is particularly important in Moore League play, where small mistakes can quickly swing games.
“These kids are still developing,” he said. “Every year, you get smarter baseball-wise. Our job is to speed that process up.”
Pitching depth will be another storyline for the Jaguars. Rosales is expected to headline the rotation, with Baron, Torres and freshman Daniel Jauregui seeing significant innings. Several underclassmen are expected to factor into relief roles as the season progresses.
Beyond wins and losses, Su’a is focused on establishing a culture that can sustain success. “A lot of these kids have been through multiple coaches,” he said. “Having stability matters. We want them to feel supported, challenged and prepared.”
While Cabrillo may still be developing, Su’a believes the Jaguars can be competitive sooner than some might expect.
“We’re still fighting for spots and learning roles,” he said. “But I think we’re going to surprise a few people.”
The Jaguars get the season started when they host Dominguez before home and away games against Glenn. They open Moore League play on March 13 when they head to Wilson.
Projected Starters
C — Alex Vargas (Fr) / Daniel Jauregui (Fr)
1B – Caleb Amaya (Sr) / Brian Contreras (Jr)
2B – Ricky Barron (Jr)
SS – Eli Torres (Jr)
3B – Adam Rosalez (Sr)
LF – Daniel Rodriguez (Jr)
CF – Bendito Diaz (Sr)
RF – Brian Contreras (Jr) / Andy Rios (Jr)
P – Adam Rosales, Ricky Barron, Eli Torres, Daniel Jauregui, Ethan Flemate, Fabian Vigil
