Colin Scott Holderman (born October 8, 1995) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Bradley, Illinois native has previously played in MLB for the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates. Holderman was selected by the Mets in the ninth round of the 2016 MLB draft and has established himself as a reliable bullpen arm across his three MLB franchises. Known for his competitive demeanor on the mound, Holderman has compiled a 12-12 win-loss record with a 3.75 ERA and 188 strikeouts across his major league career.
Colin Holderman Bio
Holderman graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School in Bradley, Illinois, in 2014. He enrolled at Southern Illinois University to play college baseball for the Southern Illinois Salukis. After one year, he transferred to Heartland Community College, where he was named the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division II Baseball Player of the Year. Holderman committed to transfer to Mississippi State University after one year at Heartland but ultimately chose to sign with the New York Mets after being drafted.
Early Life and Background
Holderman grew up in Bradley, Illinois, a small town in the Midwest. His baseball journey began during his high school years at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, where he developed into a promising pitching prospect. His standout performance at the high school level earned him a collegiate opportunity at Southern Illinois University, a Division I program known for developing professional talent.
After his freshman year with the Salukis, Holderman transferred to Heartland Community College. The change proved beneficial as he dominated at the junior college level, earning the prestigious NJCAA Division II Baseball Player of the Year honor. This recognition attracted attention from major college programs, leading to his commitment to Mississippi State University before his professional career path became clear.
Path to Professional Baseball
Holderman’s trajectory shifted dramatically when the New York Mets selected him in the ninth round (280th overall) of the 2016 MLB draft. He chose to sign with the Mets rather than transfer to Mississippi State, beginning his professional journey immediately. The decision marked the start of his climb through the minor league system.
He began his professional career with the Kingsport Mets of the Rookie-level Appalachian League. The following season, he advanced to the Columbia Fireflies of the Single-A South Atlantic League. However, his development faced a significant setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery on April 4, 2018, forcing him to miss the entire season during his recovery.
Colin Holderman Career
Minor League Development (2016-2021)
Holderman returned to the mound in 2019 after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He pitched for three affiliates that season: the Low-A Brooklyn Cyclones, Columbia Fireflies, and High-A St. Lucie Mets. In 16 appearances (15 starts) across these levels, he posted a combined 4-2 record with a 3.53 ERA and 49 strikeouts across 66 and one-third innings pitched. The 2020 season was lost due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, Holderman pitched for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies of the Double-A Eastern League. He recorded a 3.38 earned run average and served as Binghamton’s closer, showcasing his ability to pitch in high-pressure situations. Following the regular season, he was assigned to the Arizona Fall League, where he appeared in 11 games with an 8.71 ERA. The Mets opted not to add him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.
New York Mets (2022)
Holderman began the 2022 season with the Syracuse Mets of the Triple-A International League. His strong performance earned him a promotion to the major leagues on May 15, 2022. He made his MLB debut that afternoon at Citi Field, pitching a scoreless ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners. The debut represented the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance through injury. His time with the Mets remained brief, as the franchise traded him later that season.
Pittsburgh Pirates (2022-2025)
On July 22, 2022, the Mets traded Holderman to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Daniel Vogelbach. The Pirates assigned him to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians before promoting him to the major leagues on August 2. In nine appearances for Pittsburgh that season, he posted a 1-0 record with a 6.75 ERA and six strikeouts across 10 and two-thirds innings.
The 2023 season brought one of Holderman’s most memorable moments. On May 4, he pitched an immaculate inning against the Tampa Bay Rays, retiring Taylor Walls, Luke Raley, and Christian Bethancourt in order. Across 58 bullpen appearances that year, he compiled a 0-3 record with a 3.86 ERA, 58 strikeouts, and two saves over 56 innings pitched.
Holderman’s 2024 campaign proved more productive as he made 55 appearances out of the bullpen. He registered a 3-6 record with a 3.16 ERA and 56 strikeouts across 51 and one-third innings. His consistency and durability became trademarks of his contribution to Pittsburgh’s bullpen.
The 2025 season presented challenges for Holderman. Through 24 appearances, he struggled to an 0-2 record with a 7.01 ERA and 18 strikeouts across 25 and two-thirds innings. On November 18, 2025, the Pirates designated him for assignment. Five days later, on November 21, he was non-tendered by Pittsburgh and became a free agent.
Cleveland Guardians Era (2025-Present)
On December 11, 2025, Holderman signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Cleveland Guardians. The move represented a fresh start for the right-hander, who joined an organization known for developing quality pitching. He will look to regain his previous form and compete for a role in Cleveland’s bullpen during the 2026 season.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Holderman operates primarily as a relief pitcher, specializing in retiring batters efficiently. His ability to pitch multiple innings has made him valuable as a bridge option between starting pitchers and closers. His experience as both a starter in the minors and a reliever in the majors provides him with versatility that MLB teams value. The Tommy John surgery early in his career tested his resilience, and his successful return demonstrated his determination to reach the sport’s highest level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Holderman’s most celebrated moment came on May 4, 2023, when he threw an immaculate inning against the Tampa Bay Rays. This rare feat, requiring nine pitches to record three outs, showcased his precision and command. His MLB debut on May 15, 2022, marked another significant milestone in his career journey from Bradley, Illinois, to baseball’s grandest stage. Across 140 total MLB appearances, Holderman has established himself as a serviceable major league arm with a 12-12 career win-loss record, 3.75 ERA, and 188 strikeouts.
Colin Holderman Career Statistics
Holderman has appeared in 140 major league games across his career with the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Guardians. He has served primarily as a reliever throughout his MLB tenure, demonstrating durability and consistency from the bullpen.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Through his MLB career, Holderman has compiled a 12-12 win-loss record with a 3.75 earned run average and 188 strikeouts. His debut with the Mets on May 15, 2022, at Citi Field represented his first major league appearance. His two-save performance with Pittsburgh in 2023 highlighted his ability to handle closing duties when called upon.
Career Milestones
Notable achievements include his immaculate inning on May 4, 2023, a rare accomplishment that only a select group of pitchers achieve during their careers. His 55 appearances for Pittsburgh in 2024 demonstrated his reliability as a bullpen workhorse. MLB statistics through June 24, 2026: Win-Loss record 12-12, ERA 3.75, 188 strikeouts.
Colin Holderman Family
Family Background
Holderman was raised with an older sister named Taylor, who has Angelman syndrome, a genetic neurological disorder. He also has a younger brother Casey and a younger sister Cassidy. His family’s support has been an important part of his journey to professional baseball.
Personal Life
Holderman married his wife, Casey Spence, in December 2020. The couple announced they were expecting a child in May 2023, and they welcomed their daughter, Tanner, in November 2023. Holderman and his family reside where his baseball career takes him during the season. In March 2024, he was hospitalized with a severe case of Influenza A virus, but he recovered and continued his baseball career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season proved challenging for Holderman with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Through his first 24 appearances, he struggled with an 0-2 record and a 7.01 ERA, indicating difficulty finding his rhythm on the mound. The Pirates’ decision to designate him for assignment on November 18, 2025, followed by non-tendering his contract on November 21, reflected the organization’s assessment of his performance that season.
However, the Cleveland Guardians saw enough value to sign him to a one-year, $1.5 million contract on December 11, 2025. The contract runs through the 2026 season, providing Holderman with an opportunity to compete for a spot in Cleveland’s bullpen. The fresh start with a new organization represents a chance for him to rebuild his value and demonstrate the form that made him a reliable bullpen option in previous seasons.