Aaron Nixon

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #483 prospect in 2022 draft
  School: Texas Committed/Drafted: Never Drafted
  Age At Draft: 21
  A draft-eligible true sophomore, Nixon may find it beneficial to head back to school for another year. He was excellent as a freshman, recording nine saves and posting a 2.12 ERA as Texas’ closer. In 2022, he regressed significantly in his ability to throw strikes, which led to a much rougher season. As a freshman, Nixon had a 66% strike percentage. This year, it fell to 58%, which helps explain why his walk rate went from 2.6 per nine innings in 2021 to 7.4 per nine innings in 2022. Nixon still managed to throw his mid-80s plus slider for strikes, but he lost command of his 91-94 mph average fastball. Nixon has the stuff to pitch in a pro bullpen, but only if he has the above-average control he demonstrated in 2021. His well-below-average control of his fastball in 2022 makes him more of a long-term development project, which makes him a potential late-round pick.
• Ranked #403 prospect in 2020 draft
  Nixon has a lot of paths forward, as he’s a two-way player who is viable at both positions in college and maybe even in pro ball. As a position player, he’s a shortstop who likely ends up at second or third base who can hit thanks to a simple, compact swing and fast hands. He has plenty of arm strength, but he hasn’t shown he can handle the different throws and angles required from a shortstop. Nixon has a future on the mound as well with a 90-94 mph fastball and a promising slider. He likely will make it to Texas where his versatility could serve him and the Longhorns well.