Miami Marlins Draft Aiva Arquette in First Round

Aiva Arquette Goes Seventh Overall to Miami Marlins in MLB Draft

Corvallis, OR – In a significant moment for Oregon State baseball, infielder Aiva Arquette has been selected seventh overall by the Miami Marlins in the Major League Baseball Draft. The proclamation on Sunday marks Arquette as the first Beaver chosen in the 2025 draft class and adds another prominent first-round talent to the program’s recent history under coach Mitch Canham.

This selection places Arquette in elite company, joining Cooper Hjerpe (22nd overall in 2022) and Travis Bazzana (first overall in 2024) as recent Oregon State players to hear their names called in the opening round. Arquette’s inclusion makes him the 14th first-round selection in the storied history of Oregon state baseball.

The Kailua, Hawai’i native showcased an remarkable performance during the 2025 season. Arquette maintained a .354 batting average, driven by 19 home runs and 73 runs scored. His impressive offensive output also included 17 doubles and 66 rbis. While his season stats list 66 home runs, a likely typo in the source material, his 19 home runs were a testament to his power, ranking fourth for a single season at OSU.He also tied for sixth in hits with 90 and contributed with 39 walks and seven stolen bases.

Arquette’s collegiate achievements were widely recognized.He earned All-American honors from multiple organizations and was a semifinalist for both the prestigious Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy. Moreover, he was a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, celebrating the nation’s top collegiate shortstop.

This marks the eighth time in franchise history that the Miami Marlins have drafted an oregon State player, with Arquette being the first since the 2024 draft when both Aiden May and Micah McDowell were selected by the club.

based on the provided text, what are the key areas for advancement identified in Arquette’s scouting reports?

Miami Marlins Draft Aiva Arquette in First Round: A Deep Dive

The Selection & Arquette’s Profile

The Miami Marlins made a significant splash in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft, selecting Aiva Arquette with the 18th overall pick. Arquette, a highly touted shortstop from Northwood High School in California, has quickly become a name to watch for Marlins fans.This pick signals a clear intent by the marlins to bolster thier farm system with top-tier talent, specifically focusing on up-the-middle defensive prowess and offensive potential.

Here’s a swift look at Arquette’s key stats and scouting reports:

Position: Shortstop

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 190 lbs

Throws: Right

Bats: Left

High School: Northwood high School (Irvine, CA)

Key Strengths: Exceptional fielding range, strong arm, developing power at the plate, high baseball IQ.

Areas for development: Consistent hitting for average, refining plate discipline.

Scouts consistently praise Arquette’s defensive abilities, comparing his potential to that of established MLB shortstops like Carlos Correa. His offensive upside is also considerable, with projections suggesting he could develop into a .270+ hitter with 20+ home run power.

Why Arquette for the Marlins? Addressing Team Needs

The Marlins’ decision to draft Arquette aligns perfectly with their organizational priorities. The team has been actively seeking to strengthen its middle infield, and Arquette represents a potential long-term solution at shortstop.

Here’s how Arquette fits into the Marlins’ long-term plans:

1. Future Shortstop: Current shortstop jazz Chisholm Jr. is a valuable player, but Arquette provides insurance and a potential upgrade down the line.
2. Defensive Upgrade: The Marlins have prioritized strong defense under manager Skip Schumaker, and Arquette’s fielding skills are elite.
3. Left-Handed Bat: Adding a left-handed bat to the lineup provides more offensive balance.
4. Farm System boost: Arquette promptly becomes one of the marlins’ top prospects, enhancing the overall strength of their minor league system. This is crucial for sustained success.

Scouting Reports & Expert Analysis

MLB Draft analysts overwhelmingly praised the Marlins’ selection. Baseball America ranked Arquette as the 15th overall prospect in the draft, citing his “plus-plus” defensive potential and “above-average” hitting ability. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel noted Arquette’s “smooth actions” and “quick release” as key attributes that set him apart from other shortstop prospects.

Several analysts have highlighted Arquette’s maturity and work ethic, suggesting he has the mental fortitude to handle the pressures of professional baseball. His coach at Northwood High School, Coach Ramirez, stated, “Aiva is a special talent, but more importantly, he’s a dedicated and coachable player. He’s always striving to improve.”

Contract Negotiations & Projected Timeline

The Marlins are currently engaged in contract negotiations with Arquette and his representatives.The projected signing bonus for the 18th overall pick is estimated to be around $3.5 million, though this figure can vary based on the overall draft slot value and individual negotiations.

Here’s a potential timeline for arquette’s development:

2025 (Summer): Signs with the Marlins and begins his professional career in the Florida Complex League (FCL).

2026: Likely assigned to Single-A Jupiter, focusing on refining his hitting mechanics and gaining experience against professional pitching.

2027-2028: Progression through the minor league system (High-A Beloit, Double-A Pensacola), with a focus on continued development and performance evaluation.

2029 (Potential): Possible MLB debut, depending on his progress and the Marlins’ needs at the shortstop position.

Marlins Draft History & Recent Successes

The Marlins have a mixed history in the MLB Draft, but they have had some notable successes in recent years. Players like pitcher Eury Pérez and outfielder Jesús Sánchez were both drafted by the Marlins and have become key contributors to the major league roster. The association is hoping that Arquette will follow a similar trajectory.

The 2025 draft class is considered particularly strong, with a wealth of talented high school and college players available. The Marlins’ ability to secure a player of Arquette’s caliber in the first round is a testament to their scouting department and their commitment to building a competitive team. The team also drafted right-handed pitcher, Ben Miller, in the second round, further solidifying their focus on pitching depth.