The Phillies claimed right-hander Grant Holman off of waivers from the Detroit Tigers. Holman turns 26 at the end of this month and has pitched in the majors in two different seasons with the Athletics. Unfortunately, he has not found much success at the major league level and has struggled in three outings this season for Toledo after having had success at Triple-A in the past.

Drafted and signed by Oakland in the sixth round of the 2021 Draft out of the University of California – Berkeley, Holman debuted in the majors with the A’s on August 17, 2024. It’s been a wild time for Holman in 2026. On February 15, Arizona selected him off waivers from the Athletics. He was back on waivers in late March and selected by the Dodgers on April 1st and 10 days later was claimed off waivers by Detroit.

Because he has options remaining, teams have viewed him as a player who can be moved around as needed, but they have also viewed him as a temporary fit for their needs.

Overview
Holman has been in the Detroit Tigers organization for the past few years and most recently pitched for their Triple-A affiliate in Toledo. Known primarily as a control-focused pitcher rather than a power arm, Holman has a profile that makes him intriguing for a team like the Phillies, who could use depth in the bullpen and potentially a back-end rotation option. Claimed off waivers today, he brings a mix of experience at the minor league level and brief exposure to the major leagues, which provides both upside and some clear areas for development.

Pitch Arsenal and Velocity
Holman’s pitch mix is relatively straightforward but effective when executed properly. His primary offering is a four-seam fastball that sits in the low-90s, usually around 91 to 93 mph, with occasional peaks at 94. He complements the fastball with a slider in the mid-80s, which has good depth and can generate swings and misses when he locates it on the edges. Holman also mixes in a changeup in the low-to-mid 80s, mostly used against left-handed hitters, and a two-seam fastball that adds some sink to induce ground balls. He does not rely on overwhelming velocity but instead focuses on command, changing speeds, and keeping hitters off balance. His ability to locate pitches and sequence them effectively is central to his success.

Strengths and Weaknesses at the Major League Level
At the MLB level, Holman’s biggest strength is his control. He has shown the ability to limit walks and challenge hitters without giving up easy pitches over the plate. His slider can be a real weapon when he can locate it to both sides of the plate, generating strikeouts and weak contact. Holman also benefits from being able to work both sides of the plate and use his changeup to neutralize left-handed batters. While he hasn’t pitched extensively in the majors, he has flashed poise and a professional approach that suggests he could carve out a role as a middle reliever or situational bullpen arm.

Holman’s main limitation is the lack of a true swing-and-miss pitch. His fastball velocity is average, and when he misses his spots, major league hitters can punish him. He is more susceptible to hard contact when facing disciplined lineups that can wait on his breaking ball or adjust to his changeup. Another challenge is consistency in the strike zone, particularly under pressure. He can occasionally leave pitches over the plate, and without a true power pitch to get out of jams, this can be costly in high-leverage situations.

Performance and Potential in the Minor Leagues
At Triple-A Toledo, Holman has shown he can be effective over extended innings. His ERA and strikeout rates suggest that when he executes his pitch mix well, he can dominate minor league hitters. His command is a plus, and he has demonstrated the ability to handle both starting and relief roles, which makes him versatile for organizational needs. Holman’s ability to induce ground balls with his two-seam fastball is another asset, as it helps him keep pitch counts manageable and work efficiently through lineups. Minor league hitters have occasionally caught up to him, especially when he overuses his fastball or becomes too predictable, which highlights the need for continued refinement in sequencing and pitch placement.

Lingering Injury Effects
Holman was placed on the 15-Day IL last June with right rotator cuff tendinitis. In July he was moved to the 60-day IL and did not return to the mound during the 2025 season. He has had some lingering effects from the injury, which have limited his availability and effectiveness.

Outlook with the Phillies
For the Phillies, Holman represents depth with upside. His time with Lehigh Valley will give the Phillies the opportunity to use him in various spots out of the bullpen to determine where he can best contribute down the road should they need someone at the major league level. His ability to throw multiple pitches and adjust to hitters gives the Phillies flexibility, and with coaching and development, he could become a reliable middle reliever or long-inning option. Holman’s profile fits that of a pitcher who can succeed with structure, a steady routine, and a focus on control, making him a worthwhile addition even if he does not become a frontline arm.

Conclusion
Grant Holman is a steady, control-oriented right-hander with a mix of four pitches that allows him to succeed through precision rather than pure power. His strengths lie in his command, pitch sequencing, and ability to induce weak contact, while his weaknesses include average velocity and a need for more swing-and-miss capability, especially at the major league level. The Phillies are getting a pitcher who has shown consistency in the minors and the potential to carve out a meaningful role in the bullpen. With proper coaching and the right opportunities, Holman could be a dependable piece for Philadelphia’s pitching staff moving forward.