The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Holton in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB draft,and he signed with Arizona.[3] He made his professional debut in 2019,appearing in 13 games for the rookie-level AZL Diamondbacks and the Low-A Hillsboro Hops,where he logged a 2.39 ERA across 37.2 innings pitched. Holton did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] Holton split the 2021 season between the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles and the Triple-A Reno Aces,but struggled to a 6.72 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 64.1 innings pitched across 26 appearances.[6] He was assigned to Triple-A Reno to begin the 2022 season.
On April 28,2022,the Diamondbacks selected Holton's contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time.[7] He made his MLB debut that night,tossing a scoreless inning of relief against the St. Louis Cardinals.[8] He made 10 appearances for Arizona in his rookie campaign,logging a 3.00 ERA with six strikeouts in nine innings pitched.
On February 15,2023,Holton was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks following the signing of Andrew Chafin.[9]
Detroit Tigers
On February 17,2023,Holton was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers.[10] Holton started the season being assigned to Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. He was called up from Toledo on April 15,2023.[11] He finished his rookie season with a 3–2 record,2.11 ERA. 0.867 WHIP,and a 4.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 85+1⁄3 innings.
In 2024, Holton filled multiple roles for the Tigers, from opener to middle relief to occasional closer. For the season, he went 7–2 and posted a 2.19 ERA with a stellar 0.78 WHIP. He struck out 77 batters in 94+1⁄3 innings pitched, and was 8-for-8 in save opportunities.[12] In recognition of his central role to Tiger manager A. J. Hinch's "pitching chaos" strategy, Holton received one tenth place MVP vote from sportswriter Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star.[13]
Holton again served in middle relief and as an occasional opener in 2025. He posted a 6–5 record with a 3.66 ERA, 1.042 WHIP, and 64 strikeouts in 78+2⁄3 innings.
On January 6, 2026, the Tigers and Holton agreed on a one-year, $1.575 million contract, avoiding arbitration.[14]
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