Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Keston Hiura, 29-year-old former Brewers first-round pick (9th overall, 2017), has signed with the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization for the remainder of the 2026 season after being released by the Los Angeles Dodgers in April. Hiura had a promising rookie season in 2019 (.303/.368/.570, 19 HR) but has struggled significantly in the majors since, posting a career .235/.314/.442 line with a 38.3% strikeout rate in parts of five seasons. He has not appeared in MLB since 2022 and has spent time with multiple organizations (Angels, Rockies, Tigers, Dodgers) without sustained success. However, he has excelled in Triple-A with a .955 OPS and 100+ home runs, suggesting his struggles are specific to major league pitching.
Strengths
- + Exceptional Triple-A performance with .955 OPS and 100+ career homers
- + Polished college hitter with advanced bat skills
- + Memorable rookie season in 2019 with .303 average and 19 home runs
- + International interest from both Korean and Japanese leagues
- + Still relatively young at 29 years old with potential for resurgence
Weaknesses
- - Career .755 OPS in MLB with only 101 wRC+
- - Persistent high strikeout rate (38.3% since 2019)
- - Limited recent MLB experience (last appeared in 2022)
- - Released by Dodgers before 2026 season after minor league deal
- - Defensive concerns and positional transitions (2B to 1B to LF)
- - Significant gap between minor league and major league performance suggests ceiling limitations
About
Keston Hiura is a first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Player Overview
1B
Los Angeles Dodgers