The professional baseball journeys of two of Hawai’i’s brightest prospects officially began over the weekend.
Saint Louis School graduate Aiva Arquette and Baldwin High alum Wehiwa Aloy, both selected in the first round of the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft, signed multi-million dollar deals with their respective teams on Saturday, formally launching their pro careers.
Arquette, a shortstop from Oregon State, was taken seventh overall by the Miami Marlins. The 21-year-old inked a franchise-record $7.15 million signing bonus, making him the highest valued prospect in team history.
“It’s been a whirlwind, an exciting time,” Arquette said during a live interview on the FanDuel Network broadcast of the Marlins game on Saturday. “I’m just grateful. Growing up in Hawai’i, it’s a pleasure to be from such a tight-knit, family culture. We play baseball there and have fun doing it, so I’m proud to represent the island.”
Aloy, a standout at the University of Arkansas and the reigning Golden Spikes Award winner, was selected 31st overall by the Baltimore Orioles and signed a deal worth over $3 million. He is currently with the organization in Florida, soaking in the moment with his family by his side.
“It feels good, signing the papers felt so good,” Aloy told KHON2 Sports. “It was a very enjoyable experience, and I’m glad my parents were able to fly out and share it. I just can’t wait to keep working hard to achieve that goal of eventually making it to the big leagues.”
The Maui native added: “I’m very confident. Thinking back to all those days in the weight room, in the garage, I’ve been getting ready for this my whole life. I’m ready for the opportunity.”
Both Arquette and Aloy will now begin their professional development in Florida, where they will look to climb the ranks on the road to the big leagues.
For continued coverage of both players and the 2025 MLB Draft from a Hawai’i perspective, stay with KHON2 Sports on-air and online.