The Guyton, Ga. native was a standout in high school at Benedictine Military as a three-time All-Greater Savannah Player of the Year (2018, 2019, 2021). He led Benedictine to three Regional Titles in four years, winning the state championship in one of them. As the nation’s top left-handed pitcher and No. 24 overall recruit, he was drafted before ever stepping foot on campus in the 19th round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. However, Holton decided to forgo the contract and try his hand in the SEC.
As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, getting his first start during opening weekend against the then No. 7 Oklahoma State. From then on, the lefty was a staple in the weekend rotation, playing (and starting) in 15 games while obtaining an 8-4 record. His 3.14 ERA and 97 strikeouts were ranked sixth and eighth-best in the conference, respectively. These stats also earned him a selection to the Freshman All-SEC team and unanimous Freshman All-America honors.
As a sophomore, the Southpaw was named to a handful of preseason teams and watchlists, including the Preseason Golden Spikes Award Watch List. However, a shoulder injury kept him sidelined for much of the second half of the season. Despite this, Holton still posted impressive stats, starting 11 games and posting a 4-1 record while striking out 97 and allowing just 56 hits. Holton returned to full health for his junior and final season, when he went 6-5 across 13 starts and 15 appearances, striking out 98 batters while walking 27. Inconsistencies marred the year for the Southpaw, who ended the year with a 5.19 ERA, the highest he had of any season with Vanderbilt.
Holton will certainly be an asset to the Braves club as an experienced arm with plenty of upside. His fastball has great placement and velocity, consistently reaching the upper half of 90 miles per hour. In general, his stuff is deceptive, possessing great movement and break. Holton is poised to join a long list of Vanderbilt pitchers making an impact in the big leagues.
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