​A lazy morning quickly spiraled into chaos after the Atlanta Braves drafted Ben Zeigler-Namoa from the University of Hawaii in the 10th round of today’s Major League Baseball Draft, at the 292nd overall pick. “Crazy, just crazy,” Zeigler-Namoa said, absorbing the moment. MLB.com valued that slot at about $198,300 in pick value. Zeigler-Namoa, who spent this past season primarily as a first baseman and outfielder, became the first Rainbow Warrior to be chosen in this year’s two-day draft, which began Saturday with rounds 1 through 4 and concluded Sunday with rounds 5 through 20.
Earlier in the draft, Nu’u Contrades—the Saint Louis School alumnus who starred at Arizona State—was the first Hawaii player selected, going to the San Diego Padres in the sixth round. Contrades, a strong performer who earned All-Big 12 honors this past season, was the 286th overall pick, with a draft value estimated at $350,100. In addition, former Baldwin High School standout Kuhio Aloy, who plays outfield for Arkansas, was taken in the 11th round, at 330th overall, by the New York Mets.
“First off, I’m just grateful for everything that’s happened,” Zeigler-Namoa said, reflecting on the long road to this moment. The 2024-25 season saw him contribute at multiple positions as he prepared for what he hoped would be a breakout year. Zeigler-Namoa, a Baldwin High School graduate, began his college career at Yavapai College in Arizona before transferring to UH. In 2025 he led the Rainbow Warriors in several categories, including hits, RBIs, doubles and slugging average, and though he was initially projected to be drafted that year, he went undrafted and opted to take advantage of an NCAA waiver that allowed him to spend a fourth season with Hawaii this year. He finished the season hitting .294 and committing only three errors in 266 chances.
Throughout the process, the Braves kept in touch with Zeigler-Namoa. “I never went to a workout with the Braves,” Zeigler-Namoa recounted. “So I didn’t expect the Braves would pick me, but I’m definitely grateful.” Zeigler-Namoa and his mother followed the draft via the MLB app on his television. Late in the seventh round, the Braves informed his agent that Zeigler-Namoa would likely be selected in rounds eight, nine or ten. “And that’s a lock,” Zeigler-Namoa recalled his agent saying.
When his name finally appeared on screen, the moment felt surreal. “It was an unreal feeling,” he said, adding that watching his mom celebrate ranks among the top moments of the day for him.
As for his future position, Zeigler-Namoa wasn’t given a definitive answer. He has been listed as a first baseman, but his versatility could offer the Braves flexibility as they map out his development. The team’s ongoing communication with him suggests a plan that could involve multiple spots as he progresses through the minor leagues.
Contrades’ resume at Arizona State included a standout redshirt junior season, although his 2024 campaign was hampered by a back injury. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 180 pounds, Contrades delivered a .366 batting average with an OPS of 1.197, belting 21 homers and driving in 61 runs. He also added 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts. Across his ASU career, Contrades posted a .324 batting average, a .979 OPS, 36 home runs, 145 RBIs, 141 runs scored, 60 walks, and 113 strikeouts. In total, his college career showcased his power and run-producing ability, though injuries during his redshirt year limited his production.
For Hawaii fans and the program, the outcome underscored the breadth of talent in the Rainbow Warrior pipeline and the continued interest from Major League franchises in players who come through UH’s program. Zeigler-Namoa’s draft selection signals a potential for growth and an opportunity to prove himself against high-level competition, while Contrades and Aloy’s selections highlight UH’s strong representation across rounds and organizations. As the players prepare for what lies ahead, the craft of drafting and developing young talent remains at the forefront of professional baseball’s ever-evolving landscape.