Kevin Mahala

KEVIN MAHALA, SHORTSTOP
Born: July 19, 1994
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 180
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: 18th Round, 555th Overall, 2016
How Acquired: Draft
College: George Washington
Agent: N/A

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES
Mahala was a starting shortstop for all three seasons at George Washington. He pitched one game as a starter during his freshman season and allowed three runs over three innings.  He also pitched in high school and posted a 1.91 ERA his senior season, so he has good arm strength. In 2016, he hit .286/.326/.461, leading his team in slugging, doubles and triples. Mahala has shown improvements with his hitting each season, going from a .559 OPS in 2014 to .659 in 2015 to .787 in 2016. He stole 17 bases in his three seasons and never walked more than ten times in a season, so there are some limitations to his offensive game.  Mahala signed shortly after the draft.

2016
A-:  265/332/331, 181 AB, 4 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 17 BB, 46 K, 6-7 SB

Thanks in part to the injury to Trae Arbet, Mahala got about half the playing time at second for Morgantown.  He also started two games each at short and third.  He played well defensively and hit passably, although he struck out a lot.

2017
A:  230/311/309, 317 AB, 11 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 35 BB, 94 K, 3-5 SB

As a result of Adrian Valerio’s broken hand, Mahala opened the season as the starting second baseman for West Virginia.  He stayed there all year, with his playing time fluctuating based on injuries, particularly ones to Valerio and Stephen Alemais, and later Alemais’ promotion.  Mahala played mainly at second, but saw some time at short and a little at third.  He played well defensively, at least at second, but didn’t hit a lot and had issues making contact.

Mahala likely will be a utility infielder somewhere in class A in 2018, although he wasn’t on any roster at the start of the season.
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2018: Minor league contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: $80,000
MiLB Debut: 2016
MLB Debut:
MiLB FA Eligible: 2022
MLB FA Eligible:
Rule 5 Eligible: 2019
Added to 40-Man:
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
June 11, 2016: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 18th round, 555th overall pick; signed on June 15.