The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Keston Hiura to a Minor League contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training.
It marks a return to Southern California for the Santa Clarita native, who also attended Valencia High School and played college baseball at the University of California, Irvine. In addition, Hiura grew up as a Dodgers fan.
Hiura was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round of the 2017 MLB draft with the ninth overall selection. He was ranked as the Brewers’ top prospect heading into the 2018 season, and the No. 56th overall in MLB.
The infielder made his MLB debut on May 14, 2019, but only spent about two weeks with the club before returning on June 28. He was named the National League Rookie of the Month for July that season after hitting .355 with a 1.127 OPS.
However, Hiura never found the same success after his rookie season when he hit .303/.368/.570 with 19 home runs, 51 runs, 49 RBI, nine stolen bases, a 139 wRC+ and 2.2 WAR in just 84 games.
Over the next three seasons, Hiura managed to hit just .205/.293/.394 with 31 home runs, 80 runs, 83 RBI and an 88 wRC+ and 0.3 WAR across 200 games. He was designated for assignment prior to the 2023 season and spent the year in the Minor Leagues.
Hiura ended up signing with the Los Angeles Angels on a Minor League deal before the 2024 season, and joined their roster on July 5. He played just 10 games for them while going 4-for-27 before being designated for assignment.
The 29-year-old signed a Minor League deal with the Rockies before the 2025 season, and he ended up joining their MLB club for eight games starting on May 31. He went 4-for-18 before being designated for assignment on June 16.
Hiura became a free agent once again after the season, and has now caught on with his childhood team.
Keston Hiura’s role with Dodgers
He figures to serve as Minor League depth primarily, but could end up making the roster at some point given his MLB experience and versatility to play first base, second base and the outfield.
Hiura could also be in the running to make the Opening Day roster, given that Kiké Hernández and Tommy Edman are both expected to miss the start of the season.
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