Austin Machado, who led the University of Hawaii baseball team with a .351 batting average this past season, has reached an agreement on a free-agent contract with the Atlanta Braves.
Machado was not selected in this week’s 20-round Major League Baseball draft. But soon after, he received a call from the Braves.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity,” said Machado, who agreed to a two-year deal. “I’m excited to get going with them.”
UH coach Rich Hill said: “Super happy for Austin. He deserved it. He had a great year, one of the best years of any Rainow ever. He worked hard his entire life to become a good catcher. Just glad to see him rewarded for his hard work.”
After three years with St. John’s University, Machado transferred to UH in August 2023. He was used as a catcher and designated hitter. Machado led the ’Bows with 48 RBIs. He drew 38 walks and was struck by pitches eight times against 23 strikeouts.
Machado, who throws with his right hand but bats left-handed, is projected to compete as a catcher in the Braves organization.
On Saturday, Machado will travel from his home in San Diego to the Braves’ training facility in North Port, Fla. He said training begins on Sunday.
“It’s a pretty quick turnaround,” Machado said. “Hopefully they’ll bring me up to one of their affiliate teams, which would be pretty cool.”
Machado decided not to participate in any of the summer leagues.
“I was just training, getting stronger, trying to get my body better,” he said.
Machado was born and reared in San Diego. His uncle is surfing champion Rob Machado. He said he grew up as a “diehard (San Diego) Padres fan, because I’m from there. … I’m definitely a Braves fan now.”
DallasJ Duarte, UH’s other starting catcher, completed his NCAA eligibility. But Hunter Faldo, Makana Olaso and Konnor Palmeira are expected to compete for the catcher’s job.
Faldo, a Mililani graduate who transferred from Pima Community College last year, played in one game in 2024. Olaso, who is transferring from Palomar College, led California community colleges with 20 home runs in 47 games. Olaso’s slash line was .351/.451/.787. Palmeira is a Kamehameha-Maui graduate who has played for UH, Everett Community College and the past two season with Cal State Bakersfield. He entered the transfer portal and is expected to rejoin the ’Bows.
