One time Nanaimo NIghtOwl Hayden Cuthbertson has been picked in the 18th round of the MLB draft by the Miami Marlins. Cuthbertson played in Nanaimo in 2023 and 2024. (Nanaimo NightOwls)

By Dan Marshall

NightOwls to MLB

Parksville-born pitcher drafted into Major League Baseball

Jul 15, 2025 | 9:37 AM

NANAIMO — First it was Elijah Ickes, then Connor Caskenette and now left handed pitcher Hayden Cuthbertson has become the third player in Nanaimo NightOwls history to be drafted into Major League Baseball.

Cuthbertson was selected in the 18th round, 528th overall by the Miami Marlins during the Major League Baseball draft on Monday, July 14.

The 21-year-old was born in Parksville but grew up in Ladner.

He played in the BCPBL for the North Delta Blue Jays before joining the NightOwls for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

NightOwls co-owner Jim Swanson said Cuthbertson was player who made big strides in his game over those two years.

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“He had tremendous potential when we first got him, but rarely found the strike zone. Work he did with our pitching coach Gorm Heimueller and obviously as well with his coaches at Miami-Ohio has helped him realize what the dream of being drafted. Now we see what he’s able to do at that next level. We could not be more excited for Hayden and his family.”

Cuthbertson made 16 appearances over his two years in Nanaimo.

In his college career the 6’3″ pitcher has played for Bossier Community College in 2023, Three Rivers College in 2024 and Miami of Ohio this year.

The NightOwls are currently in the WCL all-star break with exhibition games versus the Nanaimo Selects on July 15 and July 17 at Serauxmen Stadium.

Both Talan Zenk and Jacob Hayes will represent the NightOwls at the all-star game July 16 in Bellingham.

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