The Atlanta Braves haven’t been ultra aggressive on the free agent market this winter. As we all know it took them quite awhile to make a splash like the one they made by signing Jurickson Profar. However, once Atlanta added an impact bat many immediately turned their attention toward pitching.
It’s since been debated whether Alex Anthopoulos should prioritize a starting pitcher or late-inning bullpen arm as his next big league move. Although, one name already in-house could be the answer to both.
Grant Holmes named a potential breakout candidate by Jim Bowden
Last season was a special year for 28 year-old Grant Holmes. After toiling away in the minor leagues for an entire decade, the former first round pick finally made his Major League debut with Atlanta last June. The feel good story didn’t stop their, as Holmes went on to throw a ton of impressive innings for the Braves. Overall Holmes finished with a 3.56 ERA, 3.20 FIP, and 70 Ks in 68.1 innings of work. He even pitched the Braves into the postseason by starting on the mound in game 162.
Grant Holmes took care of business. pic.twitter.com/KXilNswale
— Braves On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSNBraves) September 30, 2024
That unheralded success has led to many of baseball’s media penciling Holmes in for more important innings with the Braves in 2025. The underlying data suggests he can repeat that performance, and Jim Bowden of The Athletic is drinking the Kool-Aid as well. In Bowden’s latest piece on potential breakout candidates in 2025, he finishes the list with Grant Holmes noting his impressive swing and miss numbers from last season.
As the roster stands right now, the Braves are putting a lot of trust in Grant Holmes to presumably man the backend of the rotation. Some may say Holmes’ track record isn’t long enough yet to garner that amount of trust and hand him the ball every fifth day. From the Braves perspective it seems the front office is intent on discovering exactly what they have in Holmes. His numbers suggest he can be a diamond in the rough for Atlanta, and repeating his 2024 success across 25 starts would Grant the Braves rotation a huge production boost. Get it? GET IT?!
However, should they add another starter before Opening Day, Holmes could then slot in nicely as a swing-man out the bullpen. It’d be similar to the role he had last season with Atlanta, and one that he’s proven he can be entrusted with. Either way the Braves believe they have a productive pitcher in Holmes, now it’s just a matter of determining which role he’s best in.
