CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians have bolstered their bullpen by signing former Pirates right-hander Colin Holderman to a one-year contract valued at approximately $1.5 million. Although the team has yet to make an official announcement regarding the deal, the addition highlights the organization’s commitment to enhancing its pitching staff.
Earlier this week, the Guardians secured former Angels and Phillies pitcher Connor Brogdon, also on a big league contract, as part of their strategy leading up to the MLB winter meetings on December 3. Additionally, the team selected right-handed pitcher Peyton Pallette from the White Sox in the Rule 5 Draft on Wednesday. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt emphasized the urgency of strengthening the bullpen, noting the need for ample depth.
“We need a lot,” Vogt said with conviction. “We need depth in the bullpen. We have four, maybe five guys in our bullpen, and we need eight. It’s an area we’re addressing for sure.”
Holderman, who stands tall at 6-foot-6 and weighs 230 pounds, was originally drafted in the ninth round by the Mets in 2016 after a standout career at Heartland Community College. He was later traded to the Pirates prior to the 2022 season in a deal for slugger Daniel Vogelbach. Over four seasons with the Pirates, Holderman amassed an 8-11 record and posted a 4.13 ERA, with an impressive average of 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings. His performance peaked in 2024 when he recorded a 3.16 ERA and 56 strikeouts over 51 1/3 innings.
Holderman possesses a fastball that clocks in at just above 97 mph, complemented by a detailed repertoire including a sinker, sweeper, and cutter. Notably, his breaking pitches achieved an impressive ranking in the 88th percentile for run value among major league pitchers in 2024.
With this latest acquisition, Holderman joins a line of notable Guardians relievers, including Brogdon, Hunter Gaddis, Tim Herrin, and Cade Smith, all of whom stand at 6-foot-6. In a league that often values tall pitchers for their extended reach and leverage, Holderman’s physical presence fits perfectly into the Guardians’ evolving bullpen strategy.
As the Guardians continue to restructure their pitching staff, Holderman’s addition serves to create a more formidable bullpen, setting a hopeful tone for the upcoming season. This investment in depth could very well enhance their competitiveness in the league.