2024 MLB Draft: Left-handed pitcher Carter Holton selected by Atlanta Braves in 2nd round

A Guyton, Georgia native, he was a standout at Benedictine Military High School, being named All-Greater Savannah Player of the Year three times (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 the 24th overall recruit, he was drafted before he even set foot on campus in the 19th round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. However, Holton decided to opt out of the contract and try his luck in the SEC.

As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, earning his first start on opening weekend against then-No. 7-ranked Oklahoma State. From that point on, the left-hander became a staple of the weekend rotation, playing (and starting) in 15 games while going 8-4. His 3.14 ERA and 97 strikeouts ranked sixth and eighth best in the conference, respectively. Those stats also earned him a Freshman All-SEC Team selection and unanimous Freshman All-America honors.

As a sophomore, the left-hander was named to a handful of preseason teams and watch lists, 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 that, Holton still put up impressive numbers, starting 11 games and going 4-1 while striking out 97 batters and allowing just 56 hits. Holton returned to full health for his junior and senior season, when he went 6-5 in 13 starts and 15 appearances, striking out 98 batters while walking 27. Inconsistencies marred the year for the left-hander, who finished with a 5.19 ERA, the highest he’s had in any season at Vanderbilt.

Holton will certainly be an asset to the Braves clubhouse as an experienced pitcher with plenty of upside. His fastball has excellent placement and good velocity, regularly reaching the top half of 90 mph. Overall, his game is deceptive, possessing excellent movement and good break. Holton is poised to join a long list of Vanderbilt pitchers who are making an impact in the major leagues.

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