Jonathan Holder
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1993)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name = Jonathan Holder
|image = File:Jonathan Holder June 18, 2018 (50120888978) (cropped).jpg
|caption = Holder with the New York Yankees
|width = 250
|team =
|number =
|position = Pitcher
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|6|9}}
|birth_place = Gulfport, Mississippi, U.S.
|bats = Right
|throws = Right
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate = September 2
|debutyear = 2016
|debutteam = New York Yankees
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate = September 27
|finalyear = 2020
|finalteam = New York Yankees
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label = Win–loss record
|stat1value = 10–6
|stat2label = Earned run average
|stat2value = 4.38
|stat3label = Strikeouts
|stat3value = 165
|teams =
- New York Yankees ({{mlby|2016}}–{{mlby|2020}})
}}
Jonathan Blake Holder (born June 9, 1993) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees.
Career
=Amateur=
Holder attended Gulfport High School in Gulfport, Mississippi, where he was an accomplished hitter and pitcher. He attended Mississippi State University, where he played college baseball for the Mississippi State Bulldogs from 2012 to 2014 and served as the team's closer.{{cite web|url=http://www.cdispatch.com/sports/article.asp?aid=25066|title=Holder brings drama, history to closer's role|work=The Commercial Dispatch|date=June 21, 2013|access-date=May 24, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cdispatch.com/sports/article.asp?aid=16893|title=Holder makes right decision to focus on pitching|work=The Commercial Dispatch|date=May 6, 2012|access-date=May 24, 2015}} During his career he had an 11–2 record, 1.59 earned run average (ERA), 191 strikeouts and a school record 37 saves.{{cite web|url=http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/node/14440 |title=Holder breaks MSU career saves mark |work=starkvilledailynews.com |access-date=May 24, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524213812/http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/node/14440 |archive-date=May 24, 2015 }} In 2012, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=http://pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=318770 |title=#35 Jonathan Holder - Profile |publisher=pointstreak.com |access-date=September 25, 2019}}
=New York Yankees=
The New York Yankees selected Holder in the sixth round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.clarionledger.com/story/mississippistatesports/2014/06/14/msu-holder-lindgren-sign-with-yankees/10519077/|title=MSU's Holder signs with Yankees, Lindgren expected next|author=Michael Bonner, The Clarion-Ledger|date=June 14, 2014|work=The Clarion Ledger|access-date=May 24, 2015}}{{Cite web |last=Bonner |first=Michael |title=Yankees select Holder, second Bulldog in as many days |url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/mississippistatesports/2014/06/06/msu-yankees-select-jonathan-holder/10089057/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=The Clarion-Ledger |language=en-US}} After pitching in relief in college, the Yankees converted him into a starting pitcher.{{Cite web |last=NJ.com |first=Randy Miller {{!}} NJ Advance Media for |date=March 29, 2017 |title=Getting to know Yankees rookie reliever Jonathan Holder |url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2017/03/getting_to_know_yankees_jonathan_holder_who_is_on.html |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=nj |language=en}} He made his professional debut in 2014 with the Gulf Coast Yankees of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and later played for the Staten Island Yankees of the Low–A New York-Penn League. He started 2015 with the Tampa Yankees of the High–A Florida State League. He posted a 7–6 record with a 2.52 ERA and was a Mid-Season All-Star.{{Cite web |title=Jonathan Holder Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.milb.com/player/jonathan-holder-656547 |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=MiLB.com |language=en}}
In 2016, he was moved back to the bullpen, where he said his velocity improved. He began the season with Tampa but was soon promoted to the Trenton Thunder of the Double–A Eastern League. On April 26, 2016, Holder pitched the final inning of a joint no hitter that was started by Ronald Herrera.{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/thunder/index.ssf/2016/04/thunder_try_to_strike_back_aga.html|title=Ronald Herrera, Jonathan Holder combine for no-hitter|date=April 27, 2016|access-date=August 30, 2016}} He was an Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star. The Yankees then promoted Holder to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders of the Triple–A International League. He struck out 12 batters over four innings on August 28, which earned him Pitcher of the Week honors.{{Cite web |title=RailRiders' Holder strikes out 11 in a row |url=https://www.milb.com/news/railriders-holder-fans-11-in-a-row-198235324 |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=MiLB.com |language=en}} He was also named the best relief pitcher and was an organization All-Star, according to MiLB.com.{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Fearless Holder grabs MiLBY as top reliever {{!}} MiLB.com |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-207231574 |access-date=December 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206163733/https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-207231574 |archive-date=December 6, 2022 }}
The Yankees promoted Holder to the major leagues on September 2, 2016.{{cite web |title=Source confirms: Jonathan Holder getting September call-up |url=https://www.lohud.com/story/sports/mlb/lohud-yankees/2016/09/02/source-confirms-jonathan-holder-getting-september-call-up/89763210/ |work=lohud.com |access-date=June 18, 2018}} His first major league strikeout came against Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, striking him out on 3 pitches.{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Fearless Holder grabs MiLBY as top reliever {{!}} MiLB.com |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-207231574 |access-date=December 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206163733/https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-207231574 |archive-date=December 6, 2022 }} In 8 appearances with the Yankees to finish 2016, Holder had a 5.40 ERA. On May 5, 2017, Holder got his first major league win pitching a scoreless inning of relief against the Chicago Cubs. In 37 appearances out of the bullpen, Holder finished the 2017 year 1–1 with a 3.89 ERA.
In 2018, Holder made the big league team out of spring training.{{Cite web |last=Caldera |first=Pete |title=Yankees roster for opening day appears settled as Jonathan Holder earns final spot |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2018/03/24/yankees-roster-opening-day-appears-settled/455447002/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=North Jersey Media Group |language=en-US}} On August 2, 2018, Holder allowed seven runs without recording an out in a game against the Boston Red Sox. Holder became the second Yankees pitcher to ever post such a line after Bob Kammeyer did so on September 18, 1979.{{cite web|title=Jonathan Holder's horror show was historically hideous|url=https://nypost.com/2018/08/03/jonathan-holders-horror-show-was-historically-hideous/|work=New York Post|date=August 3, 2018|access-date=July 3, 2019}} Holder finished the year with a solid 3.14 ERA in 66 innings pitched.
He faltered in 2019, allowing five runs, including a solo homer and a grand slam, without getting an out against the Blue Jays on June 24.{{Cite web |last=NJ.com |first=James Kratch {{!}} NJ Advance Media for |date=June 25, 2019 |title=Yankees' offensive fireworks enough to survive bullpen meltdown in win over Blue Jays |url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2019/06/yankees-offensive-fireworks-enough-to-survive-bullpen-meltdown-in-win-over-blue-jays.html |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=nj |language=en}} After allowing 13 runs and six home runs over his past six outings, he was demoted to Triple-A.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Dan |date=June 25, 2019 |title=Yankees send down spiraling Jonathan Holder in familiar plea |url=https://nypost.com/2019/06/25/yankees-demote-struggling-jonathan-holder-in-familiar-plea/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}} The team hoped he could improve his fastball command and the sharpness of his breaking pitches while in the minors.{{Cite web |last=Farrell |first=Sean |title=Yankees hope Jonathan Holder can rediscover his form after demotion |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2019/06/25/new-york-yankees-hope-jonathan-holder-rediscovers-form-after-demotion/1557468001/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=North Jersey Media Group |language=en-US}} He returned to the majors on July 22, but went down with shoulder inflammation in August.{{Cite web |last=Sears |first=Ethan |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Yankees send down Stephen Tarpley, recall Jonathan Holder |url=https://nypost.com/2019/07/22/yankees-shake-up-bullpen-to-begin-pivotal-road-trip/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=NJ.com |first=Randy Miller {{!}} NJ Advance Media for |date=August 10, 2019 |title=Yankees' Gary Sanchez off injured list, Jonathan Holder on {{!}} What it means |url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2019/08/yankees-gary-sanchez-off-injured-in-jonathan-holder-on-what-it-means.html |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=nj |language=en}} He pitched to a 4.98 ERA in 21.2 innings during the 2020 season.{{Cite web |title=2020 New York Yankees Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/2020.shtml |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} On December 2, 2020, Holder was non-tendered by the Yankees.{{Cite web |title=Sánchez among Yanks tendered contracts |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-2020-non-tender-deadline |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}
=Chicago Cubs=
On December 17, 2020, Holder signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Chicago Cubs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-cubs-rhp-jonathan-holder-agree-to-2021-contract|title = Cubs, RHP Jonathan Holder agree to 2021 contract|website = MLB.com}} He was placed on the injured list on April 1 because of a right shoulder strain.{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2021 |title=Cubs' Jonathan Holder: Placed on injured list |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-jonathan-holder-placed-on-injured-list/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} On April 26, 2021, Holder was moved to the 60-day injured list.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/04/cubs-place-austin-romine-on-10-day-il-select-tony-wolters.html|title = Cubs Place Austin Romine on 10-Day IL, Select Tony Wolters| date=April 26, 2021 }} He did not appear in a game for Chicago due to the injury and was outrighted off of the 40-man roster on November 3, 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-jonathan-holder-sent-to-minors/|title=Cubs' Jonathan Holder: Sent to minors|date=November 4, 2021 }} He elected free agency the following day, but re-signed with the team on a minor league contract on November 19.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2021/12/02/cubs-sign-catcher-p-j-higgins-and-righty-jonathan-holder-to-minor-league-deals/|title=Cubs Sign Catcher P.J. Higgins and Righty Jonathan Holder to Minor League Deals|date=December 2, 2021}}
Holder went into 2022 as a non-roster invitee.{{Cite web |last=Yellon |first=Al |date=March 13, 2022 |title=Cubs announce 15 non-roster invitees to Spring Training |url=https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/3/13/22975416/cubs-announce-15-non-roster-invitees-spring-training |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=Bleed Cubbie Blue |language=en}} He was reassigned to the minors on April 4.{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2022 |title=Roster Notes: Twins, Marlins, Pirates, Yankees, Cubs, Phillies |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/04/roster-notes-twins-marlins-pirates-yankees-cubs-phillies.html |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} After starting the year on the injured list, Holder was again transferred to the 60-day injured list in May. Following a rehab assignment with the rookie–level Arizona Complex League Cubs, he was finally activated on August 4. He then spent the remainder of the season with the Triple–A Iowa Cubs, making 14 appearances and struggling to a 10.00 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 18.0 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 10, 2022.{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=July 17, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 13, 2022 |language=en}}
=Los Angeles Angels=
On November 29, 2022, Holder signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels.{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2022 |title=Angels Sign Jonathan Holder To Minor League Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/11/angels-sign-jonathan-holder-to-minor-league-deal.html |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} He competed in spring training but was reassigned to minor league camp on March 22, 2023.{{Cite web |title=Angels' Jonathan Holder: Reassigned to minors camp |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/angels-jonathan-holder-reassigned-to-minors-camp/amp/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=www.cbssports.com}} In 46 appearances for the Triple–A Salt Lake Bees, Holder recorded a 5.40 ERA with 76 strikeouts and 2 saves across {{fraction|66|2|3}} innings of work. He elected free agency following the season on November 6.{{Cite web|title=2023 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-milb-free-agents/|access-date=January 10, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2023 |language=en}}
=Texas Rangers=
On January 10, 2024, Holder signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.{{Cite web|title=Rangers' Jonathan Holder: Invited to Rangers camp|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-jonathan-holder-invited-to-rangers-camp/|access-date=January 10, 2024|website=cbssports.com|date=January 10, 2024 |language=en}} He was released by the Rangers organization on March 27.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-03-27 | title=Transactions }}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Baseballstats|mlb=656547|espn=36035|br=h/holdejo02|fangraphs=16588|brm=holder000jon}}
- {{Twitter|Jholder14|Jonathan Holder}}
- {{Instagram|jonathan.holder|Jonathan Holder}}
- [http://www.hailstate.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205373608 Mississippi State Bulldogs bio]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Holder, Jonathan}}
Category:Arizona Complex League Cubs players
Category:Baseball players from Mississippi
Category:Gulf Coast Yankees players
Category:Major League Baseball pitchers
Category:Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball players
Category:New York Yankees players
Category:Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders players
Category:Sportspeople from Gulfport, Mississippi
Category:Staten Island Yankees players
Category:Tampa Yankees players