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A projected starting pitcher might be leaving the University of Hawaii baseball team.
Right-hander Brody Martin-Grudzielanek, who recently completed his freshman season with the Rainbow Warriors, confirmed he has entered the NCAA transfer portal.
“I’m just exploring my options as of now,” Martin-Grudzielanek told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “There is a chance I come back (to UH).”
Martin-Grudzielanek was projected to be in the starting rotation, possibly as the series-opening pitcher, if he pitched for the ’Bows in 2027.
This past season, Martin-Grudzielanek was 0-5, but he pitched to a 4.02 ERA and 1.31 WHIP while averaging 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Left-handed batters hit .182 against Martin-Grudzielanek. His fastball topped at 97 mph.
Instead of playing summer ball, Martin-Grudzielanek opted to train this summer.
“Just lifting, as of now, and trying to gain some weight,” he said.
Of his year in Hawaii, he said, “I loved it. I feel I made a big jump in my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity Hawaii gave me. I won’t ever take that for granted. That was the best place I could have been at.”
While expressing gratitude for Martin-Grudzielanek’s contributions this past season, UH coach Rich Hill said the focus is on the “windshield and not the rear-view mirror, exclamation point.”
Right-handed pitcher Hekili Robello, who was named to the 2026 All-Big West second team, and left-hander Grant Garman have indicated they will remain with the ’Bows if they are not selected in next month’s Major League Baseball draft. Hill said the ’Bows will seek players through the portal.
“The transfer portal provides awesome opportunities for us at the University of Hawaii,” Hill said. “We have thrived in this environment in years past, and see no reason we shouldn’t do so this year. All will be revealed.”
Hill also is seeking replacements for Keith Zuniga, the associate head coach/pitching coach who accepted a position with USC, and hitting coach Dave Nakama, who is pursuing other endeavors. Connor Harrison, who was the director of pitching development, was promoted to associate position coach. Harrison, who is a candidate for pitching coach, will remain with the ’Bows no matter the outcome of the nationwide search.
“It’s an exciting time for Rainbow Warrior baseball,” Hill said. “I’m not at liberty to make any staff announcements at this time, but the fans of Hawaii are going to be pleasantly surprised. We’re reorganizing the entire staff, looking at more of a pro model that utilizes coaches’ strengths and really focuses on a lot more of the analytics side. I’m very excited about it.”
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Right-hander Brody Martin-Grudzielanek, who recently completed his freshman season with the Rainbow Warriors, confirmed he has entered the NCAA transfer portal.
“I’m just exploring my options as of now,” Martin-Grudzielanek told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “There is a chance I come back (to UH).”
Martin-Grudzielanek was projected to be in the starting rotation, possibly as the series-opening pitcher, if he pitched for the ’Bows in 2027.
This past season, Martin-Grudzielanek was 0-5, but he pitched to a 4.02 ERA and 1.31 WHIP while averaging 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Left-handed batters hit .182 against Martin-Grudzielanek. His fastball topped at 97 mph.
Instead of playing summer ball, Martin-Grudzielanek opted to train this summer.
“Just lifting, as of now, and trying to gain some weight,” he said.
Of his year in Hawaii, he said, “I loved it. I feel I made a big jump in my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity Hawaii gave me. I won’t ever take that for granted. That was the best place I could have been at.”
While expressing gratitude for Martin-Grudzielanek’s contributions this past season, UH coach Rich Hill said the focus is on the “windshield and not the rear-view mirror, exclamation point.”
Right-handed pitcher Hekili Robello, who was named to the 2026 All-Big West second team, and left-hander Grant Garman have indicated they will remain with the ’Bows if they are not selected in next month’s Major League Baseball draft. Hill said the ’Bows will seek players through the portal.
“The transfer portal provides awesome opportunities for us at the University of Hawaii,” Hill said. “We have thrived in this environment in years past, and see no reason we shouldn’t do so this year. All will be revealed.”
Hill also is seeking replacements for Keith Zuniga, the associate head coach/pitching coach who accepted a position with USC, and hitting coach Dave Nakama, who is pursuing other endeavors. Connor Harrison, who was the director of pitching development, was promoted to associate position coach. Harrison, who is a candidate for pitching coach, will remain with the ’Bows no matter the outcome of the nationwide search.
“It’s an exciting time for Rainbow Warrior baseball,” Hill said. “I’m not at liberty to make any staff announcements at this time, but the fans of Hawaii are going to be pleasantly surprised. We’re reorganizing the entire staff, looking at more of a pro model that utilizes coaches’ strengths and really focuses on a lot more of the analytics side. I’m very excited about it.”
Continue reading...
