Waiakea Grad Torres-Costa to Turn Pro

Quintin Torres-Costa is ready to chase his dream.

The Waiakea graduate and University of Hawai’i baseball closer told Big Island Now Thursday morning that he will forgo his remaining two years of eligibility with the Rainbow Warrior baseball program and sign with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. The left-handed pitcher was drafted in the 35th round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Wednesday.

“For me, the deciding factor was that playing baseball was my dream,” Torres-Costa explained of his decision. “I always wanted to play professional baseball, and I feel like this is my opportunity that I have to just go and take.”

On Wednesday, Torres-Costa told Big Island Now that it was a “strong possibility” that he would turn pro. A good night’s sleep and an opportunity to step back and breathe after a whirlwind day allowed him to commit to his decision, even before he heard from Milwaukee’s area scout.

Torres-Costa said that Milwaukee’s area scout requested that he fly up to Arizona by Friday. From there, he will compete in a location that has not been determined yet. He has not been told whether he will go out for a chance to be a starting pitcher or will remain in the bullpen.

Contract details have not been finalized. Torres-Costa said that his advisor, David Matranga, is working out those details.

At the University of Hawai’i, Torres-Costa put together a 4-8 record. He went out on a high note, however, securing eight saves in his redshirt sophomore season earning a spot on the All-Big West Second Team list.

“I appreciate everything that UH has done for me,” said Torres-Costa in a radio interview. “They gave me an opportunity, and now it’s just time to move on.”

Torres-Costa joins former Waiakea High School teammate Kodi Medeiros in the Brewers organization. Medeiros is currently pitching with the team’s Class-A squad, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, in the Midwest League.