Next season, Marchand hopes to be playing for the Charleston RiverDogs – the Rays’ Single-A affiliate.
“What better way to start my career than to be able to play at home in front of my family,” Marchand said. “Every kid dreams of coming back to their hometown to play. I couldn’t think of a better place for me to start my journey.”
Only a handful of players have signed from last weekend’s MLB Draft, including top pick Roch Cholowsky, who agreed to the highest signing bonus in draft history at $10.3 million with the Chicago White Sox.
The UCLA shortstops’ deal, about $1 million below the pick value, surpasses 2024 first-rounders Chase Burns (Reds) and Charlie Condon (Rockies), who each signed for $9.3 million.
Arkansas pitcher Carson Wiggins, who was taken with the No. 27 overall pick, signed for $3.4 million.
Marchand was a cornerstone in the Trojans’ back-to-back-to-back state championships. As a senior, he hit .531 with 13 home runs, 11 doubles and drove in 45 runs. He doubled as a relief pitcher, striking out 32 batters in 19 innings. He was on the mound for the final out as James Island defeated Dorman for the Class AAAA Division I state title.
Marchand struck out just 13 times during his entire high school career, including only four times as a senior.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been as nervous as I was on draft night,” he said. “I had no idea where I’d go. As the picks went by I was wondering if it was going to work out for me, but everything worked out.”
Marchand will turn 18 at the end of July, and at 6-1 and 190 pounds, he is expected to get bigger and stronger when immersed in a professional weight program.
“I think his future is going to be at third base,” said James Island baseball coach Matt Spivey. “As he gets bigger and grows into his body, I think he’s going to hit a lot of home runs for somebody and make a lot of money.”