UCSB’s Drafted Righty With Swing-and-Miss Stuff and Big-Moment Poise
In the 2026 season, Nathan Aceves emerged as one of UC Santa Barbara’s toughest arms to hit, finishing the regular season among the Big West’s six most difficult pitchers to square up and earning All-Big West honorable mention after a strong sophomore campaign. His calling card is a lively right-handed mix with strikeout ability, highlighted by a 10-strikeout, one-hit gem over 6 1/3 innings against Utah in February 2026. MLB also noted his size, arm strength, and unorthodox delivery, which helps explain why the Athletics drafted him 351st overall in 2026.
