MPI graduate Kiner-Falefa reaches terms with Rangers

Isiah Kiner-Falefa fields a ball in American Legion play. Stacy Kaneshiro | SL

Recent Mid-Pacific Institute graduate Isiah Kiner-Falefa has come to financial terms with the Texas Rangers, who drafted him in the fourth round Friday in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

The 130th overall selection - two behind Waiakea's Kean Wong - said has agreed to a below-slot bonus plus college tuition for when his pro career ends. He said he will sign as soon as he receives the contract. The MLB assigned bonus for the 130th slot is $385,900.

"I think it's $350,000 with education," Kiner-Falefa said.

Last year, Baldwin graduate Branden Kaupe was a fourth-round pick of the New York Mets. The 140th selection had a slot value at $323,900. According to Baseball America, he signed for $225,000.

Kiner-Falefa, who had signed a letter of intent to play at San Jose State, said he will report to training camp June 14 in Surprise, Ariz.

The two-time first-team Interscholastic League of Honolulu all-star shortstop said the Rangers had been in contact with him for a while. Kiner-Falefa said scouts noticed him when they came to watch teammate Marcus Doi, regarded as one of the state's top prospects.

"I just wasn't making it public or anything," Kiner-Falefa said. "They came to see him (Doi) and they saw me, too, so it opened doors."

The past two months have been incredible for Kiner-Falefa. He helped the Owls win the state championship last month and graduated from MPI. And now he has a job.

"These last two months have been great," he said. "I'm so excited. I can't wait for the future."

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at [email protected].