Nathan Aceves authored one of the most dominant small-sample performances in the country in 2025, posting a 1.65 ERA over 27.1 innings while showcasing strong strike-throwing ability (61.4% first-pitch strikes, 3.29 BB/9) and advanced bat-missing skills (10.54 K/9, 28.1% K%). The arsenal is headlined by a fastball that sits 92-94 mph and touches 96 mph, with decent carry, while his breaking ball and new kick-changeup give him enough of a pitch mix to neutralize both right- and left-handed hitters when he’s on. The biggest question mark is durability and whether the stuff holds up over a bigger workload, as the limited innings total (27.1 IP) and modest arsenal create uncertainty about his ability to maintain elite performance deep into games. If Aceves can prove he can handle 60+ innings in 2026 while maintaining his command and whiff-ability, he profiles as a back-end starter or premium multi-inning reliever with feel and pitchability as his carrying tools.