Maybe we should just call this column the Hawaii 5-0 or the time being? Major “dad joke” vibes there, I know. But I couldn’t resist. Let’s head back out to Hawaii for today’s edition of the Five Tool Five and highlight some players from the Hawaii Sandlot Classic. 

What is the Five Tool Five? The short, succinct definition: it’s simply a look at five players who recently caught our attention. The long-winded, more detailed explanation: showcasing our coverage from around the United States and highlighting noteworthy baseball talent, skill, performances, news, uncommitted players who colleges should pay attention to and more. We plan to deliver a fresh Five Tool Five every Monday through Friday to help satisfy baseball fans’ hunger for coverage at the amateur level and welcome you to the home of what we believe is the best amateur baseball coverage you’ll find - FiveTool.org.

I’m a sucker for shortstops with slick actions on the dirt and exciting tools. Let’s start there:

A major shortstop to follow in the 2026 class

Five Tool SoCal Director Tim Arakawa, a former Hawaii prep star infielder who reached the AAA level in the Angels organization, tweeted he was “in” on Kahanu Martinez, a talented left-handed hitter with a true chance to stick at shortstop. Tim would know better than I since he’s getting a live look, but from what I’ve seen I couldn’t agree more. 

Martinez makes that play from the hole look way too easy; it would be true if he was a 2023 prospect. But a 2026 prospect?! Advanced is an understatement. Flashing the leather with impressive baseball athleticism seemingly comes natural to the Saint Louis School (Hawaii) prospect, who exudes impressive feel and instincts. 

Another play Martinez makes look entirely too easy - tracking that ball into shallow center fearlessly, making the over-the-shoulder grab calmly, and then instead of being impressed by himself he immediately checks the runners. The left-handed hitter absolutely rakes, too. 

Like his work on the dirt, Martinez is advanced in the box, too. His aggressive yet under control left-handed swing is built to spray liners around the field with his barrel feel and ability to time the baseball. Can you tell I’m excited about this guy? Dude. Alert. 

Sticking with talented middle infielders…

Jayden Gabrillo has shown intriguing ability on the dirt, too. A loose, 5-9 athlete from the 2024 class who should fill out some in the future, Gabrillo made a slick, unassisted double play up the middle look easy; there’s something especially beautiful about a short hop snagged in rhythm before a step on the bag and easy toss across to first. 

The Mid-Pacific Institute (Hawaii) prospect’s work wasn’t limited to the dirt or batter’s box. He was up to 87 MPH on the mound with two different breaking balls, ran a 6.95 60-yard dash, and I’m a fan of the way the confident, quick left-handed swing looked during an impressive batting practice round. 

BYU is getting a true two-way talent

I’ve been a big fan of Coen Goes’ hitting ability since he hammered the ball around the yard during the Pudge Rodriguez World Classic and he’s made taking quality at-bats and making loud contact look easy at the Hawaii Sandlot Classic. But I didn’t know Goes was a dude on the mound, too. 

The BYU commitment was up to 90 MPH and manipulated his breaking ball to show more of a curveball look at times and a shorter, slider look other times. In the future, I think he’s destined to hit near the top of the BYU order and play in the infield, but his athleticism and arm strength on the mound could make him intriguing enough to get a look in the bullpen, too. 

What a projectable 2026 arm looks like

When college coaches are evaluating young pitchers, 2026 right-hander Charlie Ushijima presents some of the signs that suggest a big-time jump could come in the future. A skinny 6-1 with a high waist, Ushijima checks the physical projection box. His shoulder rotation/flexibility and the way his arm works suggest strongly he could throw really hard in the future, especially considering the hip-to-shoulder separation he can already create near foot plant. Plus, that sharp hook is pretty spicy, too. 

Big dude hits the ball hard

In yesterday’s Five Tool Five, we highlighted Sean Yamaguchi stepping up to the tee and hammering a baseball 101 MPH. Uncommitted 2024 prospect Chander Murray stepped up and was just a tick behind, smashing a ball 100 MPH. At 6-5, 215 pounds, Murray represents a classic power hitting prospect who ends up on the corner of the infield defensively. Known for his power display in games, Murray showed his raw power matches the scouting report. 

Dustin McComas
Senior Editor