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Aiva Arquette Could be the Marlins' Next Franchise Player
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- Aiva Arquette Could be the Marlins' Next Franchise Player
(Credit: USA TODAY Network)
Is Arquette the Marquee Player the Fish Have Been Waiting For?
The Miami Marlins have spent the past several seasons searching for the kind of impact hitter who can change the complexion of their lineup - that one prospect who could eventually provide the power and defensive presence the club has lacked.
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23-year-old Aiva Arquette could very well fill that role.
Selected seventh overall by the Fish in the 2025 MLB Draft, the 6'5", 220 lb infielder put up massive numbers during his final season at Oregon State. He had a .354 batting average, with 19 home runs and a .654 slugging percentage. That's a clear illustration of the immense offensive upside that made him one of the most compelling position prospects in the draft.
"He's a guy who can do a lot of different things," Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix said following the amateur selection process, per the Miami Herald . "Somebody who really is exactly what we were looking for and hoping for in this draft."
He's obviously big and athletic and more in the mold of modern shortstops, who are no longer smallish, slap hitters. Arquette has a little bit of lightning in his game, but his thunder at the plate sets him apart. That stature and strength have several around Major League Baseball of the mindset that the Hawaii native will eventually be manning the hot corner. He certainly fits the profile of a third baseman, and it's a position on the field where he can showcase his cannon arm without needing much range. It seems like a natural transition.
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The key question moving forward is whether Arquette can transition that collegiate promise into big-league success. Should he ultimately land at third base, his profile draws intriguing parallels to modern superstar Nolan Arenado .
It's definitely not fair to ask any young player to duplicate 'Nado's 2000 hits, 350 home runs, and 10 Gold Gloves. But if Arquette can come close to any of those figures, then he would go down as the biggest Fish in history.
While Arquette spent much of his early development at shortstop, his size and strength make third base more than just a possibility. At the same time, Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez are Miami's men up the middle, at least for now. Miami could eventually benefit from moving Arquette alongside them and allowing his skills at the plate to take center stage.
Arquette has already demonstrated the ability to drive the baseball at the professional level. Now, after a rocky 2026, he will take a big step towards destiny in the upcoming season.
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After battling injuries during his first full professional season, he finished 2026 with a .272 average, 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases across High-A Beloit and Double-A Pensacola. Those numbers came in just 64 games, making his production particularly noteworthy.
His power is especially promising. Marlins director of minor league field operations Hector Crespo previously noted that Arquette had hit three balls over 100 mph within a few days, highlighting the raw strength that could eventually translate into significant home run production.
The next step is consistency. The youngster must continue refining his pitch recognition, making better swing decisions, and demonstrating that he can handle increasingly advanced pitching. Staying healthy will also be important after a season interrupted by core muscle surgery, wrist soreness, and a thumb injury.
Nevertheless, the ingredients are there for Arquette to not only be a great player, but the one that the team has been historically waiting for.
