Waiakea’s Medeiros Selected 12th in MLB Draft

Waiakea High School graduate Kodi Medeiros has been selected in the first round of the 2014 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, held Thursday at the MLB Network studios in Secaucus, NJ.

Medeiros, one of seven high school prospects in attendance at the event, was taken with the 12th pick by the Milwaukee Brewers. Medeiros participated in a workout with the team last Thursday.

When asked by MLB Network reporter Sam Ryan about what he liked about the Brewers’ organization, Medeiros praised the team’s overall program. “I liked attending their workout, seeing the competition, and getting a better feel for that stadium. It was great.”

The last Big Island-born player to be selected in the first round was Kolten Wong, who was taken with the 22nd pick of the 2011 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. Medeiros’ selection is the highest ever for a player coming out of high school in the state.

“It’s just been incredible,” said Medeiros to MLB Network about the busy last few weeks, including other workout stops in Kansas City and Arizona. “It was a little overwhelming flying from place to place, but you know, it just paid off. I’m happy.”

Medeiros’ has given his college commitment to Pepperdine. He has not announced whether he will skip college and go straight to the minor leagues, but with a contract likely to feature a hefty amount of money, it is likely that playing for the Waves won’t be an option for the left-handed hurler. The slot value for the pick has been valued at $2,805,700.