Rotation or Bullpen? Where Does Grant Holmes Fit in Atlanta’s 2026 Pitching Plans?

Defined roles on a Major League pitching staff are typically reserved for proven commodities. For the Atlanta Braves, those certainties entering the 2026 season include names like Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Raisel Iglesias. Beyond that core, however, much of Atlanta’s pitching hierarchy remains fluid — and no arm embodies that uncertainty more than Grant Holmes.

As spring training approaches, Holmes is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing pitchers to monitor in Braves camp. His talent is evident, his health is improving, and his future role is anything but settled.

A Crucial Spring After Injury Recovery

Holmes ended the 2025 season on the injured list after suffering a partial UCL tear — an injury that often leads to Tommy John surgery. At the time, skepticism was widespread regarding whether he could avoid the operating table.

Instead, Holmes opted for rehabilitation, and early reports suggest the gamble paid off.

Atlanta officials have indicated that Holmes has responded well to the rehab process and is expected to be fully available by spring training. If that proves true, the 2026 season could represent his final opportunity to cement himself as a long-term starter at the major-league level.

Few pitchers on Atlanta’s 40-man roster face a more pivotal stretch.

The State of Atlanta’s 2026 Rotation

As things currently stand, only three rotation spots appear locked in:

• Chris Sale

• Spencer Strider

• Spencer Schwellenbach

Beyond that trio, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has been transparent about his desire to add another established starter — whether via trade or free agency. If that happens, competition for the remaining rotation slot (or slots) will be fierce.

Holmes will be battling a deep group of arms that includes:

• Reynaldo López

• Hurston Waldrep

• JR Ritchie

• Bryce Elder

In other words, Holmes will need to clearly outperform his competition to stick as a starter.

Holmes’ 2025 Performance: Encouraging, But Incomplete

Statistically, Holmes’ 2025 season offered a mixed evaluation.

Across 115 innings, he posted a 3.99 ERA with a 4.40 FIP, numbers that suggest a capable back-end or mid-rotation starter. His ability to miss bats stood out — Holmes ranked in the 80th percentile in whiff rate, flashing swing-and-miss stuff that plays at the highest level.

However, command remains the major question mark.

Holmes walked 11% of opposing hitters, a rate that becomes increasingly problematic the deeper a pitcher works into games. For a starter, that margin for error is thin, especially on a team with postseason aspirations.

If Holmes cannot demonstrate improved control in 2026, the rotation argument becomes much harder to sustain.

The Bullpen Argument Is Strong — and Logical

When factoring in Atlanta’s financial and roster realities, a bullpen transition may ultimately make the most sense.

Reynaldo López is slated to earn $14 million, making it difficult for the Braves to justify pushing him aside if he’s healthy and effective. Meanwhile, top prospects like Waldrep and Ritchie remain part of Atlanta’s long-term plans.

That leaves Holmes — talented, but imperfect — as the swing piece.

In shorter stints, Holmes’ strengths could be magnified:

• His elite whiff rate would play up in one- or two-inning bursts

• Reduced exposure could mitigate his walk issues

• His velocity and breaking pitches could become legitimate late-inning weapons

While Atlanta’s bullpen already boasts depth and upside, adding Holmes to that mix could elevate the unit from solid to elite.

Spring Training Will Decide Everything

Despite the growing case for a bullpen role, Holmes will enter spring training with every opportunity to win a rotation spot. The Braves have consistently emphasized competition, and performance will dictate decisions.

If Holmes shows:

• Improved command

• Consistent health

• The ability to navigate lineups multiple times

He can absolutely remain in the rotation conversation.

If not, Atlanta will still have a valuable weapon — just one deployed differently.

Final Outlook: A True Fork in the Road

Grant Holmes enters 2026 at a crossroads. The upside of a reliable mid-rotation starter remains real, but so does the likelihood that his long-term value lies in high-leverage relief work.

For the Braves, this is an enviable problem to have.

Whether Holmes ultimately starts games or shortens them, his performance this spring will play a major role in shaping Atlanta’s pitching staff — and possibly his own career trajectory — moving forward.

One way or another, Grant Holmes will matter in 2026.