Big News for the Cincinnati Reds

Reds quietly sign viral college star with unforgettable highlight

The Cincinnati Reds have signed free agent outfielder Peyton Holt, a notable former Arkansas player, to a minor-league contract and assigned him to Low-A Daytona. While he may not be widely recognized, Holt delivered one of the most unforgettable moments of the 2024 college baseball season.

During a game in late April, Holt’s No. 2-ranked 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 just 90 feet from home plate, meaning the Gators only needed 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 just what they needed when shortstop Colby Shelton lined a ball deep into center field. As the catch was made, Donay sprinted toward home plate. However, Holt had different plans.

The Razorbacks’ centerfielder faked the catch, prompting the runner to go home before Holt actually secured the ball. Donay had to retreat to third base to tag up before heading toward home, but it was too late. Holt caught the ball for the second out of the inning and threw it to the third baseman, who then relayed it to home plate, allowing the catcher to tag Donay out for the final out. The broadcasters were left in disbelief, calling the play “the ultimate deke.”

LEGENDARY DEKE BY PEYTON HOLT pic.twitter.com/rGyqnEkycx

— Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) April 27, 2024

Holt went undrafted last year despite achieving a .322/.412/.507 batting line with the Razorbacks in his senior season. The Arkansas native hit eight home runs and drove in 27 runs, finishing his college career with a .969 OPS.

Before joining the Reds, Holt had been playing for the Kansas City Monarchs in the American Association of Professional Baseball. Now, at 24 years old, he has a chance to realize his major league dreams as he aims to rise through the ranks of the Reds’ farm system.