Is Brock Holt a Pitcher?
Brock Holt is an American professional baseball player who plays for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is primarily a second baseman and outfielder, but he has also played shortstop and third base. He is a two-time All-Star and the only player in MLB history to hit for the cycle in a postseason game. But the question remains, is Brock Holt a pitcher?
Brock Holt’s Baseball Background
Brock Holt was born in Fort Worth, Texas on June 11, 1988. He attended Rice University where he played college baseball for the Rice Owls. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
He made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 2012, and was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2014. Holt was a key contributor to the Red Sox’s 2018 World Series championship team.
Brock Holt as a Pitcher
Though Holt is primarily a second baseman and outfielder, he has also pitched in several Major League games. In 2019, he appeared in four games as a relief pitcher for the Red Sox, registering a 3.86 ERA over 4⅔ innings.
He has also pitched a few games in the minor leagues. In 2019, Holt appeared in five games for the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. He registered a 5.51 ERA over 8⅔ innings and earned one win.
Brock Holt’s Pitching Style
Holt’s pitching style is best described as a “crafty” left-hander. He throws a fastball and a curveball, with occasional changeups and sliders. He relies on excellent control and movement to get hitters out.
Brock Holt’s Strengths as a Pitcher
Holt’s greatest strength as a pitcher is his ability to keep hitters off balance with his crafty approach. He is also adept at working the corners of the strike zone and can spot his pitches effectively. His control is also a major asset, as he consistently throws strikes and rarely walks batters.
Brock Holt’s Weaknesses as a Pitcher
Holt lacks the velocity of most major league pitchers, and his fastball usually tops out in the mid-80s. He also does not have a good breaking ball, and his curveball is often too slow to be effective against major league hitters.
Brock Holt’s Future as a Pitcher
Given Holt’s lack of velocity and his struggles with his breaking ball, it is unlikely that he will become a full-time pitcher in the future. However, he could be a valuable asset as a spot starter or long reliever, as his crafty approach and excellent control could be useful in these roles.
Brock Holt’s Role in the Milwaukee Brewers
Holt was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2020, and he is expected to play a utility role for the team. He will likely see time at second base, shortstop, third base, and the outfield. He could also potentially be used as a spot starter or long reliever if the Brewers need extra pitching depth.
Conclusion
To answer the question, yes, Brock Holt is a pitcher; however, he is not a full-time pitcher and does not have the velocity or the breaking ball to be a major contributor in the role. He could be a valuable asset as a spot starter or long reliever, but his primary role will remain as a utility player.
Key Points
- Brock Holt is an American professional baseball player who plays for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is primarily a second baseman and outfielder, but he has also pitched in several games.
- Holt’s pitching style is best described as a “crafty” left-hander. He throws a fastball and a curveball, with occasional changeups and sliders.
- His greatest strength as a pitcher is his ability to keep hitters off balance with his crafty approach. He is also adept at working the corners of the strike zone and can spot his pitches effectively.
- Given Holt’s lack of velocity and his struggles with his breaking ball, it is unlikely that he will become a full-time pitcher in the future.
- Holt is expected to play a utility role for the Milwaukee Brewers. He could also potentially be used as a spot starter or long reliever if the Brewers need extra pitching depth.
Final Thoughts
Brock Holt is a versatile player who can play multiple positions and can even pitch when needed. He is not a full-time pitcher, but he could be a valuable asset in a spot starter or long reliever role. His crafty approach and excellent control make him a valuable asset, and it will be interesting to see how the Brewers choose to utilize him.