2025 Atlanta Braves Prospect Reviews: Carter Holton

How Acquired

The Braves drafted Carter Holton in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt. The lefty was a key guy for three years for the Commodores, following passing up signing in the 19th round with the Brewers out of Benedictine HS in Savannah.What Were Expectations?

There were zero expectations for Holton this year due to the fact he was set to miss the year with Tommy John surgery. The only thing that was expected out of him by the team was to get his rehab process started.2025 Results

Holton didn’t pitch in 2025 following the injury right at the end of August in 2024.

What Went Right?

Holton has started his rehab process, which is really the only thing he was physically able to do this past season.

What Went Wrong?

You could argue that missing the season is what went wrong for Holton, but in reality nothing truly went wrong either for Holton.2026 Outlook

Holton, who turned 23 in September, will essentially be making his first few professional starts in 2026 in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. Considering he made one start after signing that lasted all of two innings back in 2024, pro ball is going to be a new test for him. He will get his time to adjust next year and could need to move slowly as he returns from surgery, but once he starts to gain comfort he could move quickly thanks to his 39 starts for a top SEC program.