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Oakland A’s: An opportunity for Grant Holmes

By David Hill

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Grant Holmes #67 of the Oakland Athletics delivers a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during a spring training game at Goodyear Ballpark on February 28, 2020 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Grant Holmes #67 of the Oakland Athletics delivers a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during a spring training game at Goodyear Ballpark on February 28, 2020 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Although the Oakland A’s rotation appears to be set, Grant Holmes could get his chance to make an impact during the 2021 season.

Several prospects are likely to play major roles with the Oakland A’s during the 2021 season. A.J. Puk is currently penciled in as the A’s fifth starter, rounding out a rotation with a tremendous amount of upside. Dany Jimenez may be thrust into a key role in the bullpen. A number of prospects could stake a claim to the A’s opening in the outfield. Sheldon Neuse could get an opportunity in the middle of the infield.

And then there is Grant Holmes. He was once one of the more highly touted prospects in baseball, a consensus top 100 prospect prior to the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Part of the A’s return for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick, Oakland had high hopes for the top prospect.

However, shoulder woes and struggles with his command caused him to be passed by. At this point, he is almost a forgotten figure in the A’s system, surpassed by other prospects. And yet, Holmes still has the potential to be better than any of the arms outside of Puk.

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He showed that potential in 2019, putting together a solid year in AA before getting one start in AAA. Holmes posted a combined 3.23 ERA and a 1.216 WHiP over his 86.1 innings, striking out 81 batters with 28 walks.

Not only did his command show improvement during his time in the A’s alternate camp, but his stuff did as well. Holmes possesses an excellent sinking fastball that sits in the lower 90s and generates plenty of ground balls. His curve generates plenty of swings and misses and serves as an stellar out pitch. He has also developed a cutter and displayed improvement with his changeup, giving him a viable four pitch mix to work with.

Holmes may get the chance to show what he can do in 2021. While Puk is penciled in to that fifth spot, there is no guarantee he will remain healthy or can hold up under such a workload. Daulton Jefferies and James Kaprielilan have had their own injury issues. Openings could develop over the course of the season.

Next. Murphy poised for breakout 2021. dark

All Grant Holmes needs is a chance. That may happen during the 2021 season.