Relief Pitchers
Jonathan Holder, RHP, New York Yankees, A+/AA/AAA, 23 years old
Stats: 65 1/3 IP, 1.65 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, 7/101 BB/K ratio
Holder was drafted in the sixth round out of Mississippi State, and as a starter many thought that Holder would be more of an org filler with a heavy fastball that sits in the low 90s that he can spot exceptionally well and a looping curve being his primary pitches.
After good results in his first two seasons in the system, the Yankees moved Holder into the bullpen this season, and the results were flat-out dynamic. Holder was ridiculously difficult for hitters to adjust to coming from the bullpen in the minors.
He worked his way from high-A all the way to the major leagues this season. He struggled with his control with the Yankees, which was the primary issue for him in the big leagues, but his excellent control allowed his stuff to play up all season long.
He may not have major velocity, but he could be a guy that works in the middle of a bullpen well and even fits at the back end of a bullpen in the right situation. There are some excellent relievers who have lived on lesser velocity and pinpoint control, like Mark Melancon, so there is a path to success for Holder for sure.
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