Ben Zeigler‑Namoa Chosen by Braves in MLB Draft

Atlanta Braves Secure Right‑Handed Threat in 10th Round

The Atlanta Braves added University of Hawaii’s Ben Zeigler‑Namoa with the 292nd overall pick in today’s Major League Baseball Draft. His selection carries an estimated value of $198,300, marking a solid investment for the franchise. “Crazy, just crazy,” Zeigler‑Namoa said after hearing his name announced. The Braves have stayed in touch with him for several years, and they assured his agent late in the seventh round that he would be taken in the eighth, ninth or tenth round—“And that’s a lock,” Zeigler‑Namoa recalled.

Zeigler‑Namoa watched the draft with his mother on an MLB app linked to a television, and the moment his name flashed on screen felt “unreal.” He called the experience “definitely one of the top‑two things” he’ll cherish. Though the team has listed him as a first baseman, no official position has been assigned yet. He expressed gratitude for the support of his teammates and coaches after missing out on the previous year’s draft.

Braves scouting director praised his combination of power and speed, noting his .294 average and three errors in 266 defensive chances during his final college season. The organization plans to integrate him into their minor‑league system immediately, aiming to develop him into a key contributor down the line.

Hawaii’s Other Draft Selections Shine

The first Hawaii player chosen overall was Nu‘u Contrades, a Saint Louis School graduate who dominates at Arizona State. The San Diego Padres grabbed him in the sixth round (286th overall) for a $350,100 bonus. Contrades, a 5‑foot‑10, 180‑pound shortstop, batted .366 with an OPS of 1.197, smacking 21 home runs and driving in 61 runs while stealing 10 bases in 10 attempts.

His college résumé is equally impressive: a .324 career average, .979 OPS, 36 homers, 145 RBI, 141 runs, 60 walks, 113 strikeouts and a flawless 33‑for‑36 mark on stolen bases. “First off, just grateful for everything that’s happened,” Contrades said, reflecting on his journey after a back‑injury‑limited 2024 season.

Kuhio Aloy, a former Baldwin High School pitcher turned outfielder, joined the New York Mets in the 11th round (330th overall). The 6‑foot‑1, 205‑pound hitter transferred to Arkansas after one season at BYU, where he now boasts a .295 career average and .859 OPS with 30 homers and 149 RBI.

This past season Aloy posted a .293 average and .838 OPS, adding nine home runs and a perfect 5‑for‑5 on stolen bases—his first attempts in two years. “I never went to a workout (with the Braves),” Zeigler‑Namoa said, echoing the surprise many Hawaii prospects feel when their names appear on draft night.

College Career Highlights and Draft Impact

Zeigler‑Namoa began his college baseball journey at Yavapai (community) College in Arizona before transferring to the University of Hawaii. He emerged as the Rainbow Warriors’ offensive leader in 2025, leading the team in hits, RBIs, doubles and slugging percentage. After missing the previous year’s draft, he used a waiver to play a fourth college season, posting a .294 average with only three errors in 266 chances.

His selection caps a two‑day MLB Draft that started Saturday with the first four rounds and continued Sunday through round 20. As the first UH player taken, he opens the door for other island prospects and underscores Hawaii’s growing presence in professional baseball. “It definitely feels a little more gratifying,” he added, thanking his support network.

What Lies Ahead for the New Brave

Zeigler‑Namoa has not been assigned a definitive position, though first base appears to be his likely home. He plans to begin formal drills with the Braves’ instructional program as soon as contracts are finalized. Fans can expect him to contribute both at the plate and on the basepaths, given his power‑speed profile and solid defensive skill.

With the Braves’ consistent communication throughout the years, the organization appears confident he will fit their long‑term plans. The draft pick also signals a positive outlook for Hawaii’s pipeline, as other schools and amateur teams take note of the island’s talent. The excitement in the Zeigler‑Namoa household, captured by his mother’s celebration, reflects the broader pride felt across the state.