A Razorback fan favorite is getting his big break. After not being selected in the 2024 MLB draft, Peyton Holt is moving on to affiliated baseball, signing with the Cincinnati Reds organization.
Peyton Holt signs with the Cincinnati Reds
In an interview with his current team, the Kansas City Monarchs, Holt was excited about the opportunity to move up while appreciating the experience in Kansas City.
“This was the ultimate goal, and I’m blessed to get the chance to go play for an MLB team. I can’t give enough thanks to the guys here [with the Kansas City Monarchs], the coaches,” Holt said.
“I’m really grateful for the experience I’ve had here and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
It hasn't taken Holt long to receive his opportunity. After falling out of the draft, Holt played in the MLB draft league but still didn't have any luck. So, to play in 2025, he went to the open tryouts for the Monarchs, which is a part of the American Association of Professional Baseball and not directly affiliated with the MLB.
In only 13 games, Holt batted .231 and knocked in five RBIs, including two home runs. He put an OPS (On-base plus slugging) percentage of .950 in his short time with the Monarchs.
A Greenwood, Arkansas, native, Holt became a household name for Arkansas baseball fans between the 2023 and 2024 seasons after transferring to Arkansas from Crowder College. In 2023, he played in 31 games, averaging .392 and accounting for 17 RBIs and two home runs. The following season, he had a bigger role in the offense, scoring 27 RBIs and eight homers.
However, his most memorable moment was in the outfield against Florida in 2024. With bases loaded in the top of the eighth and up by one run in a crucial game-two against the Gators, a Florida batter kit a pop-up into center field for what would have been a one-out sacrifice fly.
Instead, Holt pulled a quick one and faked out the baserunner on third, forcing him to tag up early. It was enough time to get the ball to home and make the final out of the inning. Arkansas won 6-5 and took the series.