2016 State Draft Report: Pacific Rim (Alaska and Hawaii)

CROP RATING
	Not up to par
Rating compares this year's group to what a state typically produces, not to other states

Number of players drafted in 2015: 5. Two years ago, Kodi Medeiros gave Hawaii it's second first-round pick of the decade joining Kolten Wong (2011). Ian Kahaloa's fifth-round selection yesterday ensured that the state has had at least one player taken in the top 10 rounds every year this decade. But that streak will probably end this year. The best draft-eligible players this year struggle to match up to what's been an impressive run for the islands. As is usually the case, Alaska lacks a prospect likely to be drafted.

[No Top 500 Prospects]

1. Kinglsey Ballao, of, Maui HS, Kahului 2. Brandon Bonilla, lhp, Hawaii Pacific 3. Jordan Kurokawa, rhp, Hawaii-Hilo 4. Jacob Sheldon-Collins, ss, Hawaii 5. Marcus Doi, of, Hawaii 6. Nathan Bonck, lhp/1b, Ketchikan HS, Alaska

2023 MLB Draft Stock Watch: 13 Risers On The 2023 Top 300 Draft Update

Breaking down the most notable up-arrow prospects in the class.

Kinglsey Ballao, of, Maui HS, Kahului - The state’s top prospect, outfielder Kingsley Ballao, has a lot of swing-and-miss in his game but has physical tools at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds. He’s an above-average runner and has average arm strength. He’s committed to Fresno State but also has a fall-back option in San Jacinto (Texas) JC. Brandon Bonilla, lhp, Hawaii Pacific - Lefty Brandon Bonilla, son of Bobby, has hit 98 mph with his fastball several years running but has had control issues and arm injuries in the past. He had his best year this year in terms of good makeup reports and performance at the NAIA level after starting his college career at Arizona State and then going to Grand Canyon before finishing at Hawaii Pacific. Jordan Kurokawa, rhp, Hawaii-Hilo - RHP Jordan Kurokawa started strong, shutting out Division I Hawaii in a complete game to open the season, and finished strong as well, with a complete-game one-hitter against Hawaii Pacific. The 6-foot-3, 181-pound Kurokawa is a fifth-year senior who’s ready to go out and could be a cost-saver. Jacob Sheldon-Collins, ss, Hawaii - Sheldon-Collins is a contact-oriented hitter who hails from Australia, played two years of juco ball in Australia, then had a strong senior season for the Rainbows. He hit .349 though he lacks extra-base power. He's a reliable defender who fits better at second base.