MLB Draft Prospect Profile: Big Shortstop Aiva Arquette Has Pop, a Strong Arm

This is one in a series of breakdowns of  the top prospects available in the 2025 MLB Draft. 

The 2025 Major League Baseball draft is less than three weeks away. The Pittsburgh Pirates have the sixth pick in the first round of the draft, which begins on July 13 in Atlanta.

One of the prospects who could be available for the Pirates to take is Oregon State shortstop Aiva Arquette, who MLB Pipeline has ranked as their sixth-best prospect.

Arquette, 21, wrapped up his first season with Oregon State after transferring from the University of Washington. In 65 games, the right-handed hitter helped lead the Beavers to a College World Series appearance with a .354/.461/.654 batting line, 17 doubles, one triple, 19 home runs, 56 RBI and seven steals. 

Arquette was named a Second Team All-American by Perfect Game and the American Baseball Coaches Association and was a Third Team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. 

Aiva Arquette leads off the 9th with a solo shot out to LCF. Plus power upside, super enticing blend of now tools and upside. Definite top-5 upside this July. pic.twitter.com/aGakfJe2Le

— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) June 17, 2025

In 48 games with Washington last season, the native of Honolulu, Hawaii, hit .325 with a .959 OPS, 14 doubles, 12 home runs and 36 RBI in 48 games. He was named to the All-Pac-12 and All-Pac-12 Defensive Team for his efforts.

Arquette has a smooth right-handed swing that generates plenty of power aided by his large frame.

He’s a big body, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 220 pounds but projects to be able to stay at shortstop long-term. Though he has solid tools across the board, his best are a 60-grade arm and 55-grade power.

Top draft prospect Aiva Arquette showing off RANGE for Oregon State 😮‍💨

(🎥: @ESPN)pic.twitter.com/nwK2s0MM10

— MLB (@MLB) June 17, 2025

Arquette was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks out of high school in the 18th round in 2022 but did not sign.

Last year, a fellow Oregon State Beaver was selected with the top pick when the Cleveland Guardians chose Travis Bazzana.

As Pirates general manager, Ben Cherington has taken a college hitter in the first round twice. He chose Nick Gonzales out of New Mexico State with the seventh pick in 2020 and Henry Davis from Louisville first overall in 2021.

In last year’s draft, the Pirates took high school shortstop/outfielder Konnor Griffin with the ninth pick.