​After failing to receive a draft notice, University of Hawaii pitcher Isaiah Magdaleno reached agreement on a free-agent contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.UH reliever John Alkire II also signed a free-agent contract with the Chicago Cubs.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNeither UH pitcher was selected in the two-day, 20-round Major League Baseball draft that concluded Sunday.“At the end of the day, I don’t know what happened,” Magdaleno said of the surprising snub.Soon after, the Blue Jays called with the free-agent offer.“I jumped on the opportunity when I got it,” Magdaleno said. “Even though my name wasn’t called (in the draft), I’m very grateful for the opportunity that’s ahead of me.”Magdaleno, who grew up in Los Angeles, said he will report to the Blue Jays’ training facility in Florida on Wednesday. He said he received a signing bonus.“I got a little bit,” he said. “Even if it were less, I would have (signed), too. I’m just ready to get to work with the Blue Jays’ staff.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs a sophomore in 2025, Magdaleno was named to the All-Big West first team as a reliever after going 4-1 with nine saves and a 2.70 ERA.This past season as the ’Bows’ ace, Magdaleno pitched to a 2.36 ERA with 116 strikeouts and 31 walks in 95 1/3 innings. He was named to the All-Big West first team, as well as the third team of two All-America lists.Magdaleno had entered the transfer portal as either leverage or a backup plan. But his goal was to play pro ball.“I feel I’m going to where I wanted to, which is just getting my foot in the door in professional baseball,” Magdaleno said. “It’s about that time. Three years in college was part of the plan to get out there already. I feel I’m ready to get this thing going. And getting my shot, I’m ready to get to work with all the coaches and the staff and the organization of the Blue Jays. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to wear the blue.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn committing to the ’Bows last summer, Alkire aspired to be a starting pitcher for his final NCAA season. Instead, he prospered out of the bullpen. He was a reliever in all but one his 19 appearances. He amassed a team-high four saves, collaborated in three of the ’Bows’ seven shutouts, and averaged 9.92 strikeouts per nine innings.Two weeks ago, the Cubs extended a workout invitation to Alkire. He impressed enough to receive a free-agent offer.“I’m super excited,” he said. “Super blessed that their organization believes in me and gave me a shot. It’s something I’ve always dreamed about. I can’t wait to get the whole ball rolling.”Alkire told the Cubs he is comfortable as a reliever but is willing to be used in any role. Alkire also expressed gratitude to UH head coach Rich Hill and pitching coach Keith Zuniga, who has since accepted a position at USC.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Being out in Hawaii this past year,