Keston Hiura

Keston Hiura
Hiura with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – No. 9
First baseman / Second baseman
Born: (1996-08-02) August 2, 1996
Valencia, California, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
May 14, 2019, for the Milwaukee Brewers
MLB statistics
(through 2025 season)
Batting average.235
Home runs50
Runs batted in134
Stats at Baseball Reference 
Teams

Keston Wee Hing Natsuo Hiura (HEER-uh; born August 2, 1996) is an American professional baseball first baseman and second baseman in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels, and Colorado Rockies.

Hiura attended Valencia High School. He played three seasons of college baseball for the UC Irvine Anteaters, earning conference accolades and playing for the United States collegiate national team in the offseason. Hiura signed with the Brewers after they selected him with the ninth overall selection in the 2017 MLB draft.

Hiura spent three seasons in the Brewers farm system and was acclaimed as the organization's top prospect by his second minor league season. He made his major league debut in 2019, with a .303 batting average in 84 games. After his rookie season, Hiura's statistics regressed, including a National League (NL)-leading 85 strikeouts in 2020 and a .168 batting average in 2021.

Hiura became a free agent after the 2023 season and played briefly with the Angels in 2024 and Rockies in 2025.

Amateur career

Hiura attended Valencia High School in Valencia, Santa Clarita, California.[1][2] Playing for the school's baseball team, he batted .500 with 14 home runs and 30 runs batted in (RBIs) in his senior year as the Vikings won the Foothill League.[3]

Undrafted out of high school, Hiura played college baseball at the University of California, Irvine for the Anteaters.[4] As a freshman in 2015, he hit .330 with a .392 on-base percentage (OBP), a .520 slugging percentage (SLG), seven home runs, and 52 RBIs over 56 games. As a sophomore in 2016, he hit .358 with a .436 OBP, .559 SLG, seven home runs, and 41 RBIs over 53 games.[5][6] After the season, Hiura played for the United States national collegiate team,[7][8] batting .289 with a team-leading 3 home runs in 17 games.[9] In his junior year, he hit .442 with a .567 OBP. He was named the Big West Conference Player of the Year.[10]

Hiura was inducted into the UC Irvine Hall of Fame in 2026.[11]

Professional career

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers selected Hiura in the first round, with the ninth overall selection in the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.[12] He signed, receiving a $4 million signing bonus,[13] and was assigned to the Arizona Brewers of the Rookie-level Arizona League. After batting .435 with four home runs, 18 RBIs and a 1.339 OPS in 15 games, he advanced to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Single-A Midwest League where he had a .333 batting average with 15 RBIs and seven walks in 27 games.[14]

MLB.com ranked Hiura as Milwaukee's top prospect going into the 2018 season.[15] He began the season with the Carolina Mudcats of the High-A Carolina League[16] and was promoted to the Biloxi Shuckers of the Double-A Southern League on June 1 after hitting .320 with seven home runs, 23 RBIs, and a .911 OPS in 50 games for Carolina.[17] Hiura finished the year with Biloxi, batting .272 with six home runs, twenty RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 73 games.[18] After the regular season, Hiura won the Arizona Fall League Most Valuable Player Award.[19]

Hiura began 2019 with the San Antonio Missions.[20] On May 14, his contract was selected and he was called up to the major leagues.[21] He made his major league debut on May 14 versus the Philadelphia Phillies.[22] On June 3, despite a strong showing in the majors, Hiura was sent back down to Triple-A to the San Antonio Missions in order to make room for Travis Shaw. Hiura returned to the Brewers on June 28 along with infielder Tyler Saladino, as Shaw returned to Triple-A and utility player Hernán Pérez was designated for assignment. On July 28, Hiura homered in the bottom of the 10th inning against the Chicago Cubs for his first career walk-off hit. He was named the National League (NL) Rookie of the Month for July, batting .355 with a 1.127 OPS.[23] After a brief injury, he finished his rookie season batting .303 with 19 home runs and 49 RBI in 84 games.[24] He was named to Baseball America's All-Rookie Team.[25] On defense he led all major league second basemen in errors, with 16.[26] In the NL Wild Card Game, he hit a double and struck out three times in a loss to the eventual World Series champion Washington Nationals.[27]

In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Hiura batted .212/.297/.410, leading the Brewers with 13 home runs and 32 RBI, in 59 games. He led the NL in strikeouts (85), as well as putouts (66) and errors (16) by a second baseman. He had a .168 batting average in 2021 61 games, starting more games at first base than second base. In 2022, Hiura played in 80 games for Milwaukee and hit .226/.316/.449 with 14 home runs and 32 RBI.[28][25]

On January 13, 2023, Hiura agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract with the Brewers, avoiding salary arbitration.[29] On March 25, the Brewers announced that Hiura, who was out of options, did not make the Opening Day roster.[30] He did not play in the majors that season.[24] He was designated for assignment two days later after the team signed Luke Voit.[31] Hiura went unclaimed on waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds on March 28.[32] In 85 games for Triple-A Nashville, he batted .308/.395/.565 with 23 home runs and 77 RBI. On October 4, Hiura elected free agency.[33]

Detroit Tigers

On February 16, 2024, Hiura signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.[34] In 49 games with Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens, he hit .232/.312/.401 with 6 home runs and 24 RBI. The Tigers released Hiura on June 3.[35]

Los Angeles Angels

On June 11, 2024, Hiura signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels.[36] In 19 games for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, he hit .360/.429/.853 with 12 home runs and 21 RBI. On July 5, the Angels selected Hiura's contract, adding him to the major league roster.[37] In 10 games for Los Angeles, he went 4-for-27 (.148) with one RBI. On July 23, Hiura was designated for assignment by the Angels.[38] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Salt Lake on July 27.[39] Hiura elected free agency on October 2.[40]

Colorado Rockies

On January 15, 2025, Hiura signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies.[41] In 46 appearances for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, he batted .243/.360/.467 with nine home runs and 31 RBI. On May 31, the Rockies selected Hiura's contract, adding him to their active roster.[42] In eight games for Colorado, he went 4-for-18 (.222) with one RBI. On June 16, Hiura was designated for assignment by the Rockies.[43] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A on June 18.[44] Hiura elected free agency on September 30.[45]

Los Angeles Dodgers

On February 12, 2026, Hiura signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[46]

Personal life

Hiura was born to a Chinese-American mother and a Japanese-American father.[47] He grew up a Los Angeles Dodgers fan.[48]

References

  1. ^ Sondheimer, Eric (May 11, 2014). "Valencia shortstop Keston Hiura leads the state in home runs". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  2. ^ "Hiura sending a powerful message". Santa Clarita Valley Signal. May 10, 2014. Archived from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  3. ^ "Valencia's Hiura named Player of the Year". Santa Clarita Valley Signal. May 31, 2014. Archived from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  4. ^ "Keston Hiura commits to UC Irvine". Santa Clarita Valley Signal. November 1, 2013. Archived from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  5. ^ Morales, Robert (February 15, 2017). "College baseball preview: UC Irvine's Keston Hiura 'a special hitter'". Orange County Register. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  6. ^ Keisser, Bob (April 28, 2016). "UC Irvine CF Keston Hiura is a complete package – with a glowing endorsement". Orange County Register. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  7. ^ "From overlooked to overachieving: Hiura represents USA". Santa Clarita Valley Signal. July 12, 2016. Archived from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  8. ^ Helfand, Zach (February 15, 2017). "Irvine's Keston Hiura has transformed from obscurity into preseason All-American". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  9. ^ "Overall Statistics for the 2016 Collegiate National Team" (PDF). USA Baseball.
  10. ^ "UCI's Hiura a hit with pro baseball scouts". Los Angeles Times. June 8, 2017.
  11. ^ "2026 Hall of Fame Class: Keston Hiura". UCI Athletics. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  12. ^ McCalvy, Adam (January 20, 2016). "Brewers draft 2B Keston Hiura No. 9 overall". M.brewers.mlb.com. Archived from the original on June 16, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  13. ^ Faulkner, Barry (June 23, 2017). "Hiura collects $4 million bonus from Brewers". Daily Pilot. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  14. ^ "Keston Hiura Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  15. ^ "Hiura headlines new-look Brewers Top 30 Prospects list". MLB.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  16. ^ "Hiura breaks out at plate for Mudcats". MiLB.com. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  17. ^ "Brewers promote top prospect Keston Hiura to Class AA Biloxi". Jsonline.com. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  18. ^ "Keston Hiura Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  19. ^ Boor, William. "Brewers' hitting machine Hiura named AFL MVP". MLB.com. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  20. ^ Huddleston, Scott (April 3, 2019). "Dodgers ace Kershaw set to welcome San Antonio Missions to Triple-A". ExpressNews.com. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  21. ^ Jeff Todd (May 14, 2019). "Brewers Promote Keston Hiura". MLB Trace Rumors. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  22. ^ "Milwaukee Brewers at Philadelphia Phillies Box Score, May 14, 2019". Baseball Reference. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  23. ^ Scott, Bill (August 4, 2019). "Hiura named NL Rookie of the Month - Wisconsin Radio Network". Wisconsin Radio Network. Archived from the original on July 10, 2025. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  24. ^ a b "Keston Hiura Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  25. ^ a b Colorado Rockies (2025). Colorado Rockies 2025 Media Guide. pp. 116, 117.
  26. ^ "2019 Major League Baseball Fielding Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. January 1, 1970. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  27. ^ Johnson, Matt (October 2, 2019). "Winners and losers from crazy NL Wild Card Game". Sportsnaut. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  28. ^ "Keston Hiura - Stats - Batting". FanGraphs. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  29. ^ "2023 MLB Arbitration Tracker". MLBTradeRumors. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  30. ^ "Keston Hiura, once Brewers' top prospect, won't make team in 2023". Jsonline.com. October 24, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  31. ^ "Milwaukee Brewer sign Luke Voit DFA Keston Hiura Abraham Toro Sal Frelick | TSN". Tsn.ca. August 21, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  32. ^ "Brewers' Keston Hiura: Clears waivers, stays with MIL". cbssports.com. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  33. ^ "Keston Hiura: Elects free agency". cbssports.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  34. ^ "Tigers Sign Keston Hiura To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. February 16, 2024.
  35. ^ "Tigers Designate Buddy Kennedy For Assignment, Release Keston Hiura". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  36. ^ "Angels Sign Keston Hiura To Minor League Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  37. ^ "Angels Place Luis Rengifo On 10-Day IL, Select Keston Hiura". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  38. ^ "Angels Reinstate Luis Rengifo, Designate Keston Hiura". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  39. ^ "Outright Assignments: Hiura, Short". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  40. ^ McDonald, Darragh (October 3, 2024). "11 Players Elect Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
  41. ^ "Rockies To Sign Keston Hiura, Nick Martini To Minor League Deals". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
  42. ^ Polishuk, Mark (May 31, 2025). "Rockies Option Michael Toglia, Designate Aaron Schunk, Select Keston Hiura". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
  43. ^ "Rockies DFA veteran 1B Keston Hiura, call up 1B Michael Toglia". ESPN. June 16, 2025. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  44. ^ "Rockies' Keston Hiura: Sent outright to Triple-A". CBS Sports. June 19, 2025. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
  45. ^ Polishuk, Mark (October 1, 2025). "22 Players Elect Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  46. ^ "Los Angeles Dodgers Sign Former Top Prospect: Report". Los Angeles Dodgers On SI. February 12, 2026.
  47. ^ Fader, Mirin (June 9, 2017). "UC Irvine's Keston Hiura could be Anteaters' highest draft pick". Orange County Register. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
  48. ^ Cotillo, Chris (June 12, 2017). "MLB Draft 2017: Get to know Brewers' first-round pick Keston Hiura". MLB Daily Dish. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
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