​In a surprising pick, the Washington Nationals selected Cody Howard, a right-handed pitcher from the Texas Longhorns, in the 13th round of the 2026 MLB Draft with the 376th overall selection. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 210 pounds, the Woodlands, Texas, native entered the professional ranks as a notable draft talent. At one point, Howard was regarded as the 11th-best right-handed pitcher in Texas in the 2021 recruiting class, according to Perfect Game, reflecting the early expectations scouts had for his development.
Howard initially signed with Baylor, where he redshirted during his lone season in Waco before transferring to Texas to continue his college career under the guidance of former head coach Steve Rodriguez. His collegiate journey featured a mix of roles and moments that showcased both potential and challenges as he adapted to different programs and coaching styles.
During the 2023 season with the Longhorns, Howard saw limited action, posting a 4.00 ERA over nine innings across eight appearances. His performance suggested that there was more in the tank, but the opportunity to show it was limited as he navigated a transition period within the program. The following year, under David Pierce’s tenure, Howard faced a tougher stretch, recording a 2-2 record with a 10.36 ERA in 11 appearances, including four starts. The results reflected a season of adjustment and struggle at the plateaus where he aimed to demonstrate his full capabilities.
When Jim Schlossnagle took over, Howard faced new competition for bullpen roles and did not secure a steady, high-leverage position. In 2025, he appeared in nine games, and in 2026 he made eight appearances, finishing with a 1-1 record and an 8.79 ERA across 14.1 innings, along with 16 strikeouts as a redshirt senior. Despite the numbers, Howard’s raw power and quality arm remained appealing to professional scouts, who viewed him as a pitcher with significant upside and an engine capable of elevating his game at the next level.
Howard’s postseason track record provided a glimpse of his potential when the stakes were high. He delivered 2.2 scoreless innings across postseason appearances against Holy Cross and Alabama, contributing to the Longhorns’ efforts to advance in the tournament. In the aggregate, opponents managed a .236 batting average against Howard in 2026, a stat that underscored his ability to limit runs at times even as he navigated inconsistencies during the regular season.
For the Nationals, Howard represents a project with a high ceiling and a delivery that could translate into future success with refinement and development. His power arm and repertoire offer the tools necessary to project as a contributor at higher levels, provided he continues to mature physically, refine his command, and gain experience against advanced hitters. Washington elected to invest in his upside at No. 376, hopeful that his best baseball lies ahead and that his competitive mindset will drive him toward a more prominent role in professional baseball.
As he embarks on the next phase of his career, Howard’s path will likely involve continued work on command, breaking ball consistency, and situational awareness to maximize his effectiveness in various pitching roles. If he can translate the potential he flashed in college into more consistent performance under professional development, the former Longhorn could become a meaningful asset for the Nationals in the years to come.