Nevada right‑hander Aidan Brainard was chosen in the sixth round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft by the Texas Rangers, marking a historic moment for the Mountain West. His selection represents the first time a player from the conference has been picked in the opening six rounds of a draft, and it is the tenth time a Wolf Pack athlete has been drafted since 2019.
A Milestone for the Wolf Pack
The pick underscores a growing pipeline of major‑league talent from Nevada. It also reflects the program’s increasing competitiveness on the national stage, as the Wolf Pack celebrates its tenth draft selection in eight years.
Brainard’s 2026 campaign was nothing short of dominant. He finished the regular season with a 5‑4 record, 68 strikeouts and a 2.77 earned‑run average over 62 innings, while in conference play he went 4‑0 with a 2.77 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 39 frames.
The pitcher’s impact was felt early, as he transitioned from relief to a Friday‑night starter and posted a 2.25 ERA with 27 strikeouts across four starts. His eight‑strikeout outings, including two games with eight K’s, placed him among the conference’s most feared arms.
Honors and Future Outlook
His performance earned him Mountain West Pitcher of the Week honors on April 20 after he limited New Mexico to two hits while striking out seven batters. The recognition capped a season that also saw him named to the All‑Mountain West First Team.
Now headed to the Texas Rangers’ development system, Brainard joins a lineage of Wolf Pack alumni who have progressed to the professional ranks. His rise reflects the increasing competitiveness of the Mountain West and sets the stage for future successes.