University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa standout Austin Machado has taken a significant step in his baseball career by signing a free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves following the conclusion of this year’s Major League Baseball draft. Machado, who served as both a designated hitter and catcher during his stellar tenure with the Rainbow Warriors, is poised to embark on his professional journey in the coming weeks.

In his lone season at UH, Machado left an indelible mark, garnering recognition as a second-team American Baseball Coaches Association All-Region player and securing a spot on the second-team All-Big West roster. His impressive batting average of .351 led the team in 2023, complemented by four home runs and 48 RBIs. Additionally, Machado’s prowess at the plate saw him topping the team charts and ranking second in the Big West with 19 doubles. Notably, he maintained a remarkable .473 on-base percentage throughout the season, finishing sixth in the conference.

The signing of Machado continues a longstanding tradition of UH players making waves in professional baseball, with a streak dating back to 1977 during which a Rainbow Warrior has either been drafted or secured an undrafted free agent deal for 48 consecutive seasons.

For further details, visit HawaiiAthletics.com.

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