Aidan Knaak Returns to Clemson for Senior Baseball Season Over MLB Deal

Right‑handed pitcher Aidan Knaak announced on social media that he will forego signing with the Milwaukee Brewers, who selected him in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft, and will return to Clemson University for his senior year. The decision was made just before the MLB draft deadline of 5 p.m. on Monday.

Knaak expressed gratitude to the Brewers and cited “unfinished business” at Clemson. Under the new NCAA eligibility rules, he retains two more years of eligibility, giving him the option to play through the 2028 season. In 2026 he posted a 2‑6 record with a 5.81 ERA over 57.1 innings, recording 88 strikeouts. His return bolsters a Clemson rotation that lost several pitchers to the draft and transfer portal, providing a significant boost for head coach Erik Bakich as the program seeks to rebound from a down‑beat 2026 campaign.

The move keeps the first Clemson player taken in this year’s draft in the collegiate ranks, adding experience and depth to a staff that saw starter Drew Titsworth, Justin LeGuernic and recruit Blake Bryant sign MLB deals, while reliever Hayden Simmerson transferred out.