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.
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.
Career Transactions
RHP Aaron Nixon assigned to Tampa Tarpons from FCL Yankees.
RHP Aaron Nixon assigned to FCL Yankees.
New York Yankees signed free agent RHP Aaron Nixon to a minor league contract.
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