Rainbow shortstop Elijah Ickes signs deal with the Dodgers

For University of Hawaii shortstop Elijah Ickes, the dream job begins in the desert.

In signing as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ickes took the first step in his career in pro baseball. He is participating in the Dodgers’ training facility at Camelback Ranch in Arizona.

“I’m grateful to be with the Dodgers,” Ickes said. “From everything I’ve heard, they’re the best team in the league. They do things the right way. That’s why they’re winning the last game of the season.”

This past season, Ickes missed 21 games because of an injury to his left (non-throwing) hand. In his return, Ickes went 3-for-4 with a single, double and triple against Cal State Northridge on May 14. The next night, he left the game after one at bat, and did not play in the May 17 regular-season finale. He also missed the play-in game of the Big West Tournament because of an injury. Ickes finished with a .305 average in 29 games.

After the season, Ickes declined to enter the transfer portal, hoping to be selected in the Major League Baseball draft. His backup plan was to remain with the Rainbow Warriors as a senior in 2027.

Two days after being snubbed in the 20-round draft, the Dodgers called. The defending World Series champions had been in contact with Ickes after the season but did not extend a workout. Ickes reached agreement on a free-agent contract, which includes an estimated six-figure signing bonus.

“To get a lot of zeros in his bank account at the end of that, I’m so happy for him,” UH head coach Rich Hill said. “We’re all rooting for him to be a Major League Baseball player.”

Hill said Ickes and his family showed “tremendous character” by not signing a pro contract after graduating from Kamehameha Schools in 2024. That allowed Ickes to develop in the West Coast Collegiate League, Cape Cod League and three years with the ’Bows.

Last summer, Hill received a call from Ickes. Hill feared Ickes would enter the portal. Hill recalled: “All he did was say, ‘I’m full of gratitude that I’ve had this opportunity. Thank you for the chance to be in the Cape and at UH.’ I said, ‘that’s it?’” He said, ‘that’s all.’ He kind of laughed. From that moment, that guy stepped up to being the guy who’s tied for first with me.”

Ickes said it was “big” to go to college. He also said the time was right to pursue a pro career.

“I’m grateful for all the people who have been part of my journey,” Ickes said. “Being able to play college and then being able to sign as a pro and continue my journey has always been a dream. I’m grateful.”

The ’Bows have four candidates to play shortstop next year: Oregon State transfer Bryson Glassco, Chuy “Jesus” Vasquez of Ohlone Community College, Beau Musser of Los Gatos High School, and JC Osorio-Agard of San Jose State. Glassco made one error in 26 games. Vasquez slashed .412/502/.548. Musser hit .360 as a senior. Of Osorio-Agard’s hits, 43.7% went for extra bases.