Elijah Ickes signs with Dodgers after the former University of Hawaii shortstop agreed to an undrafted free agent deal and reported to the club’s Camelback Ranch complex in Arizona to start his professional career.
Ickes said he was thankful for the opportunity and praised the organization, noting he was eager to get to work with a club known for winning and player development.
The Honolulu native battled a left hand injury this past season that sidelined him for 21 games. He returned with a 3-for-4 performance on May 14 against Cal State Northridge, collecting a single, double, and triple.
He exited the following game after one plate appearance and did not play in the May 17 regular-season finale or the Big West Tournament play-in game due to injury. He finished the year hitting .305 over 29 games.
After the season, Ickes chose not to enter the transfer portal while hoping to hear his name in the Major League Baseball draft. His backup plan was to return to Mānoa for another season.
Two days after going unselected in the 20-round draft, the Los Angeles Dodgers reached out. The reigning World Series champions had been in touch following the season, and Ickes ultimately agreed to a free agent contract that includes an estimated six-figure signing bonus.
UH head coach Rich Hill applauded Ickes, saying the shortstop and his family showed strong character by passing on a pro contract out of Kamehameha Schools in 2024, which allowed him to develop in the West Coast Collegiate League, the Cape Cod League, and three seasons with the Rainbow Warriors.
Hill said the program is rooting for Ickes to reach the majors.
Ickes credited his college experience with preparing him for the next step and expressed appreciation for those who supported his journey.
Elijah Ickes signs with Dodgers as UH eyes next shortstop
With Ickes turning pro, Hawaii has several candidates to take over at short next season. Oregon State transfer Bryson Glassco committed just one error in 26 games.
Chuy “Jesus” Vasquez of Ohlone Community College posted a .412/.502/.548 slash line. Beau Musser of Los Gatos High School hit .360 as a senior.
San Jose State’s JC Osorio-Agard produced extra-base hits on 43.7% of his knocks.
His move comes as Hawaii pitchers sign MLB deals as undrafted free agents, adding to the program’s recent wave of pros.
The deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers also reflects the organization’s continued focus on building through development at its Camelback Ranch training base in Arizona.
