Thursday marked as Major League Baseball’s league wide Opening Day.
Among the many players hitting the field to open the 2025 season, was five players with Hawaii ties who were either born, raised, or played in Hawaii.
The player with the most service time, is 11th year relief pitcher Kirby Yates of the Dodgers. The Kauai High grad and University of Hawaii Hilo alum already made his debut in MLB’s Japan Series, pitching a scoreless inning against the Cubs.
The Cleveland Guardians have two pitchers from Hawaii in their bullpen. Kailua High School graduate, rookie Joey Cantillo is appearing in his first Opening Day as a relief pitcher for the AL Central team. Meanwhile, former University of Hawaii standout Cade Smith is entering his second season with the club. In 2024, Smith was an All-MLB Rookie Team performer, going 6-1 with a 1.91 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 75.1 innings.
Another former UH standout, infielder Josh Rojas is in his sixth MLB season but first with the Chicago White Sox. He’s expected to be the starting third baseman against right-handed pitchers but opens the year on the injured list with a right toe-fracture.
Mid-Pacific graduate, Isiah Kiner-Falefa begins his eigth season in the Major Leagues, as the Pirates infielder starts his first full-season in Pittsburgh. He was traded to the team at mid-season in 2024 from Toronto. In 783 career games, IKF has 702 base hits.
At the coaching level, two from Hawaii are serving in dugouts for MLB teams.
Hilo’s Kai Correa is the field coordinator for the Cleveland Guardians.
Honolulu’s Keoni DeRenne is the assistant hitting coach for the Kansas City Royals.
This story will be updated with results from MLB’s Opening Day.