The Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft is set to commence on June 4, 2025, and the Oregon State Beavers are expected to have a significant presence. Following a successful season that culminated in a trip to Omaha, the Beavers are poised to have more players selected than the five who were drafted in 2024. Several standout prospects have emerged, each with the potential to make an immediate impact in the professional ranks.
Aiva Arquette: A Top Prospect
Leading the pack is Aiva Arquette, the consensus top-rated college shortstop in this draft class. Analysts from both ESPN and MLB.com project him to be a top ten pick, with expectations placing him at sixth overall to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates, whose farm system is currently rated mid-tier, are in need of a skilled hitter, making Arquette a strategic choice. Should he join the Pirates, he would likely ascend quickly through the ranks, starting with the Greensboro Grasshoppers at the High A level before potentially reaching AA or even AAA.
Other Notable Prospects
Another promising player is Gavin Turley, known for his versatile playing style. With an ability to hit for both average and power, Turley is projected to be drafted in the late third or early fourth round. Ranked as the 77th best prospect by MLB.com, he could catch the attention of rebuilding teams like the Colorado Rockies, Miami Marlins, or Los Angeles Angels.
After a challenging season due to a broken finger, Trent Caraway has shown impressive improvement. His performance during the latter part of the season was noteworthy, yet his high strikeout rate raises questions among scouts. Caraway’s situation is further complicated by his entry into the NCAA transfer portal, where he retains the option to return to college.
On the pitching front, Nelson Keljo has demonstrated significant growth, particularly in his velocity. While command issues have surfaced, scouts remain optimistic about his upside as a left-handed reliever. Currently, MLB.com ranks him as the 182nd best prospect.
In addition to these top prospects, several other Beavers are expected to hear their names called during the draft, including Canon Reeder, Kellen Oakes, AJ Hutcheson, AJ Singer, Wilson Weber, Jacob Krieg, and Easton Talt. Among this group, Wilson Weber stands out as a catcher who boasted a .326 batting average and hit twelve home runs this season, potentially giving him the highest draft stock.
As the MLB Draft approaches, the spotlight will be on these talented players, each aiming to transition to the professional level and make their mark in Major League Baseball. The Oregon State Beavers, with their rich history of producing top talent, look to enhance their legacy once again this year.
