With their second round pick, 62nd overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Atlanta Braves selected left-handed pitcher Carter Holton out of Vanderbilt. Holton has a deep mix of pitches, and fits with Atlanta’s tendency to target undersized pitching.

Bio

DOB: 09/04/2002
Height: 5’11
Weight: 191
Bats/Throws: L/L

Rankings

Baseball America: 67
MLB Pipeline: 69
ESPN: 108

Introducing Carter Holton

Carter Holton is a 5’11”, 191-pound left-handed pitcher from Vanderbilt. Holton’s name may sound familiar on here because he was a highly rated recruit from a Georgia high school three years ago. Holton is a kid with four solid or better pitches, with his fastball having touched 98 MPH and his slider being his best pitch. The curve and change are both solid, as is his command after it improved this spring. Holton has dealt with injuries, which effected him down the stretch this spring. If he’s healthy he may still have some reliever risk, but he has a bunch of ingredients that the Braves like in their pitchers with the four pitches that all flashes as above-average or better pitches and improved command this year.

First Reaction

Holton has some injury concerns, but the Braves have been willing to take chances on players like that in the past in order to grab a higher ceiling talent. Holton has an electric fastball coming from a fairly low release, both traits the Braves have coveted in the past. Holton also fits the bill on makeup and athletic talent, and the Braves are never afraid of players with relief concerns. Overall this seems like another solid pick, and the Braves trust their development staff to help improve players command and maximize their pitches.