Former Sac State Baseball Player Selected By Baltimore Orioles In MLB Draft

SACRAMENTO, CA — Wehiwa Aloy could soon join the ranks of renowned Hawaiian-born baseball players such as Shane Victorino and Kolten Wong, after being selected by the Baltimore Orioles during the MLB Draft Sunday.

The 21-year-old shortstop was taken by the Orioles with the 31st pick of the first round.

Aloy, standing at 6 feet, 2 inches, went from "unheralded" recruit to Western Athletic Conference freshman of the year at Sacramento State in 2023, according to an MLB scouting report. During this one season in Sacramento, he had a .376 batting average, hit 14 home runs and drove in 46 runs through 56 games.

The right-handed batter then transferred to Arkansas State and became just the 12th Razorback player to be selected in the first round of the draft. Current Orioles player and former Razorback Heston Kjerstad was taken No. 2 in the 2020 draft.

During his time with the Razorbacks, Aloy won the Golden Spikes Award, becoming the firstHawaiian-born player and first player born outside the U.S. mainland to win it. He was also named to the ABCA/Rawlings All-American First Team, Baseball America All-American Second Teamand won the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award.

"Aloy's power is notable for a legitimate middle infielder as he has plus raw juice that plays to all fields but mostly to his pull side," according to his scouting report. "With smooth actions, reliable hands and solid arm strength, Aloy has answered questions about his ability to stay at shortstop at the next level."

Aloy is currently ranked No. 17 among MLB prospects this year.