This Braves starter is performing at a high level early this season.
The Atlanta Braves are 8-5 overall to begin the 2026 MLB season. Their performance has been a pleasant surprise after multiple starting pitchers suffered injuries during spring training. One starter who is healthy and has upset expectations early in the new campaign is Grant Holmes.
Holmes, 30, has pitched to a 2.55 ERA across three outings so far this season. He has recorded 14 strikeouts as well, which is the second best mark on the team. He only trails Chris Sale's 16 strikeouts.
So, how has Holmes found so much success? It isn't as if his performance has come out of nowhere. He has turned in back-to-back respectable seasons after all.
He was primarily a reliever in 2024, as only seven of his 26 outings were starts. Holmes pitched to a 3.56 ERA that season. In 2025, Holmes became a starter on a consistent basis, starting 21 of his 22 appearances. He finished the year with a 3.99 ERA.
Holmes is once again a starter this year, and he looks like a potential All-Star at the moment.
How Grant Holmes is Pitching at an All-Star Level
The 30-year-old right-handed hurler is not the hardest throwing pitcher in baseball. His fastball velocity is in the 54th percentile. Yet, he finds success with the pitch as evidenced by his 93rd percentile ranking for fastball run value.
Holmes has good command of the pitch. Overall, though, walks can be an issue at times, as he is only in the 37th percentile in walk percentage. Still, his 75th percentile ranking for chase percentage proves he is able to get hitters to swing out of the zone. His offspeed run value is in the 73rd percentile.
In addition to his fastball, Holmes throws a slider, curveball, sinker, changeup and cutter. He primarily relies on his fastball and slider, however. His two best pitches often get the job done, while his ability to mix in other offerings keep hitters off balance.
So, how has Holmes become a potential star? Well, he has developed two good pitches that he feels especially confident throwing. He limits hard contact (Holmes is in the 79th percentile in hard-hit percentage) as well.
No, Holmes is not an ace yet. He is a tremendous option to have in the middle of the rotation, though. If he continues to pitch at a high level, Holmes could earn serious consideration for the 2026 All-Star Game.