The Cincinnati Reds have signed free agent outfielder and former Arkansas standout Peyton Holt to a minor-league deal, assigning him to Low-A Daytona. While not widely known, Holt may have delivered the most unforgettable moment of the 2024 college baseball season.
Last April, Holt’s No. 2-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks were facing the Florida Gators, leading 6-5 in the top of the eighth inning with one out and the bases loaded. Florida’s catcher Brody Donay was positioned just 90 feet from home plate, so all the Gators needed was a fly ball to the outfield to tie the game.
Reds quietly sign viral college star Peyton Holt who presented the baseball world with an unforgettable highlight
Florida got exactly what they needed when shortstop Colby Shelton hit a ball deep into center field. After the catch, Donay only had to sprint home to score. However, Holt had a different plan.
The Razorbacks’ centerfielder cleverly faked the catch, causing Donay to advance toward home before the ball was securely in Holt’s glove. Realizing the trick, Donay had to retreat to third base to tag up before attempting to run home again, but it was too late. Holt caught the ball for the second out of the inning, then threw to the third baseman, who relayed it to home plate, allowing the catcher to tag Donay out for the inning’s final out. The broadcast was amazed by the play, calling it “the ultimate deke.”
Holt went undrafted last year despite hitting .322/.412/.507 during his senior season with the Razorbacks. The Arkansas native recorded eight home runs and 27 RBIs last year, finishing his college career with a .969 OPS.
Before joining the Reds, Holt played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the American Association of Professional Baseball. Now 24 years old, he has the chance to pursue his major league dreams as he aims to climb through the Reds’ minor league system.
