​Hurricanes star Daniel Cuvet is set to begin his professional journey after being selected by the Washington Nationals in the MLB draft. The Miami third baseman was taken in the fifth round with the 138th overall pick on Sunday morning, marking him as the first player from Miami to hear his name called in this year’s draft. The slot value attached to the 138th pick is $542,200, a figure that reflects the Nationals’ investment in Cuvet as he contemplates his next move—whether to turn pro immediately or return to the University of Miami for another season.
Cuvet’s collegiate career at the University of Miami established him as one of the program’s most prolific hitters. A Fort Lauderdale native, he built his reputation as a standout prospect after starring at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and continuing his development with Elite Squad Baseball Academy. He quickly made an impact for the Hurricanes, debuting as a freshman with an impressive .351 batting average, 24 home runs, and a 1.165 OPS. His extraordinary freshman season earned him Freshman All-American honors from multiple outlets and cemented his status as the program’s top home-run threat among first-year players, setting the Miami record for most homers by a freshman.
Cuvet’s sophomore season only amplified his standout profile. He batted .372 and posted a 1.158 OPS, slugging 18 home runs as he helped steer Miami to the NCAA Super Regionals. His all-around excellence earned him a spot on the All-ACC First Team, and he was a semifinalist for the prestigious Golden Spikes Award. The national recognition continued as he was named an All-American by several outlets, underscoring his status as one of college baseball’s premier hitters.
Heading into what coaches and scouts expected to be a defining junior year, Cuvet was selected as a preseason All-American by multiple outlets. In what would likely be his final college season, he posted a .305 average with a 1.086 OPS and 12 home runs. His season was cut short by a stress fracture in his back, sidelining him before postseason play could begin. Despite the setback, Cuvet closed out his college tenure with a career line that reflected his impact: a .347 batting average, a 1.143 OPS, 54 home runs, and 204 RBIs.
Cuvet’s power and run production place him among the Hurricanes’ most productive offensive players in school history. He ranks third on Miami’s all-time list for home runs, trailing only Phil Lane and Pat Burrell, and he sits among the leaders for RBIs as well, reflecting his capacity to drive in runs across multiple seasons. His combination of contact ability, power, and advanced stats made him a highly coveted draft prospect as Major League teams weighed his potential as a cornerstone bat in their lineups.
As he embarks on a professional career, Cuvet will have the chance to translate his college success to the higher level in organization with the Nationals. The decision he faces—whether to sign with Washington now or return to the Hurricanes for another season—will shape the next chapter of his baseball journey. Either path could be favorable depending on how he and his representatives assess his readiness for pro competition, the risk of injury, and the developmental opportunities available in the Washington system.
In sum, Daniel Cuvet’s entry into professional baseball represents a significant milestone for a player who has already etched his name into Miami’s storied baseball history. His track record of high-level performance, combined with a powerful blend of contact hitting and home run threat, positions him as a potential long-term contributor for the Nationals and a compelling talent to watch as he transitions from college star to professional hitter. With the 138th pick tied to a substantial signing value and the promise of a bright future, Cuvet’s pro debut will be one of the notable moments of the MLB draft in 2024, and his development in Washington will be closely followed by Hurricanes fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.