It’s been a polarizing offseason for the Atlanta Braves, and much of the chatter has revolved around their perceived lack of big moves to bolster their pitching staff.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic has been a vocal critic of the Braves’ offseason approach. Still, on January 28, he struck a different tone when discussing veteran pitcher Grant Holmes as a potential breakout star for 2025.
Grant Holmes: A Late Bloomer Ready For a Shot
Holmes debuted with the Braves last year at age 28 after a decade in the minors. He is set to play a significant role this season, especially with the departures of Max Fried and Charlie Morton.
Bowden painted a hopeful picture of Holmes’ potential, citing advanced metrics and his strong finish to the 2024 campaign. While pitchers rarely break out at 29, Holmes might just be the exception.
Impressive Metrics Highlight Holmes’ Potential
Bowden highlighted Holmes’ impressive numbers across both the majors and minors last season.
After logging a 2.63 ERA in 18 minor league outings, Holmes transitioned to Atlanta’s roster, where he posted a 3.56 ERA over 26 appearances.
Holmes ranked in the 97th percentile for chase rate and the 90th percentile for walk rate. This is suggesting elite control and an ability to keep hitters off balance. His strikeout and whiff rates further bolstered his case as a reliable arm.
Holmes’ Versatility Is Key for the Braves
Holmes’ versatility was a significant asset for the Braves in 2024. He made seven starts during the season, stepping in when injuries struck the rotation or when Atlanta needed to give their regular starters a breather.
As a starter, Holmes went 1-0 with a 4.01 ERA, striking out 40 batters across 33.2 innings. In relief, he was just as dependable, delivering a 3.12 ERA with a 1.125 WHIP.
This season, barring any major additions to Atlanta’s roster, Holmes is projected to begin as a starter, potentially pairing with Ian Anderson at the back of the rotation.
Once Spencer Strider returns, Holmes’ ability to swing between starting and long relief will be key for the Braves’ pitching flexibility.
Can Holmes Replicate Reynaldo López’s Success?
Bowden even compared Holmes’ situation to that of Reynaldo López, who had a breakout year for the Braves in 2024 with a 1.99 ERA and his first All-Star nod.
If Holmes can replicate even a fraction of López’s success, he could be one of the season’s biggest surprises—and perhaps validate the Braves’ confidence in their internal talent over offseason spending.
The Braves may not have splurged this winter, but their gamble might pay off with a sleeper like Holmes ready to shine.