The Washington Nationals snagged Daniel Cuvet’s massive raw power at pick 138, adding the prolific corner infielder despite a season-ending injury in Coral Gables.
MIAMI, Fla. – On Saturday’s opening day of the MLB Draft, no Miami Hurricanes prospects – outside of signees Jacob Lombard and Gio Rojas – were selected. However, the trend immediately changed to start the fifth round. The Washington Nationals selected third baseman Daniel Cuvet with the No. 138 pick.
The Fort Lauderdale native is coming off a cut-short junior season: batted .305 with a 1.086 OPS, including 46 hits in 151 at-bats, 14 doubles, a triple, 12 home runs, 45 runs batted in, and 98 total bases in 41 games. He was sidelined since late April because of a back stress fracture – not playing in the Gainesville Regional.
Cuvet still earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference Second Team honors. He’s played third base for all 159 collegiate games. After three seasons, Cuvet averaged a .931 fielding percentage, including 139 putouts and 252 assists in 420 total chances. He committed 29 total errors.
The 21-year-old is listed at 6-3 and 240 pounds, with an overall scouting grade of 45. He has an above-average arm (60) and power (60), but a below-average runner (40). Although Cuvet can knock baseballs out of the park, chasing is an area for improvement. He struck out 30 times this past season.
Cuvet will likely play in different spots defensively – outside of third base. He could remain in the infield but experiment in the outfield. The Hurricanes never played Cuvet at designated hitter, but that could be another option going to the pros.
Cuvet’s pick value is estimated at $542,200.
The Nationals currently have the 17th-best farm system in the league. They have six top-100 prospects:
- Shortstop Eli Willits (No. 3)
- Right-handed pitcher Travis Sykora (No. 35)
- Right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana (No. 48)
- Infielder Ronny Cruz (No. 76)
- Infielder Devin Fitz-Gerald (No. 88)
- Shortstop Seaver King (No. 89)
The Nationals haven’t made the playoffs since winning the World Series in 2019, including six consecutive losing seasons. It’s been a reset since trading away superstar outfielder Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres.
Cuvet has the option to return to college – having an extra year of NCAA eligibility available. He was adamant about moving up to the next level, but the deadline to sign is on Monday, July 27. Cuvet made a name for himself on the Hurricanes – hitting 54 total home runs – among the top in program history.
A new chapter will soon begin for Cuvet as the minor leagues are calling.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
