Giants Like What They See From Maui Ahuna This Spring
Rehabbing a back problem that affected him for much of 2023, shortstop Maui Ahuna did not play for the Giants last year after they drafted him in the fourth round.
He appeared set on making up for lost time during minor league camp this spring.
Giants farm director Kyle Haines said Ahuna has “just given a lot of really quality at-bats and played a plus shortstop” during camp.
Ahuna is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound lefthanded hitter who hit .396/.479/.634 with eight home runs as a Kansas sophomore in 2022. He then transferred to Tennessee in 2023.
As a junior Ahuna hit .312/.425/.537 with eight homers but struggled with back problems and struck out 31% of the time against Southeastern Conference pitchers.
Though Ahuna was considered one of the best defensive shortstops in the nation, he fell to the fourth round.
Ahuna “tried to play through that injury last year and never really got a chance to show who he truly is,” Haines said, “and he’s kind of shown us really quick that he can make an impact on” defense and offense.
Haines said Ahuna’s swing looks like it did when he was with the Jayhawks. Ahuna “seems to just be much more comfortable in the box,” Haines said. “I also think he’s stronger, so he’s moving a little better in the batter’s box as well.”
On defense, Haines said Ahuna is “a well-packaged, all-around shortstop. He’s got good range, he’s got good hands, good arm, good actions . . . He’s reliable but plays with style. He’s a fun player to watch.”
Ahuna figures to begin this season either with Low-A San Jose or High-A Eugene. Now the question becomes: Can he stay at shortstop as he progresses in his career?
Haines said that’s easily answerable with Ahuna.
“I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t play a major league shortstop with development and experience,” Haines said. “He’s got all the tools and athletic ability to stay there long term.”
