Reds Prospect Luke Holman Emerges as AFL Pitcher of the Year Candidate

Luke Holman is making the most of his Arizona Fall League opportunity after returning from Tommy John surgery. The Cincinnati Reds prospect has allowed a 0.69 earned-run average and struck out 20 batters over 13 innings this fall, putting him among the league’s standout pitchers and in contention for its pitcher of the year award.

Holman made four appearances in the Arizona Complex League late in the 2026 season, throwing 6.2 innings after his recovery. The Fall League has given him a chance to build up more competitive innings. His pitching mix includes an upper-70s curveball and a mid-80s slider, with the curveball drawing swings and misses.

Another Reds prospect, Yerlin Confidan, has also impressed in Arizona. Through 13 games, he is batting .352 with two home runs and 10 runs batted in. His .667 slugging percentage and 1.052 OPS have accompanied strong exit-velocity numbers.

Confidan’s performance earned him a place in the Fall Stars Home Run Derby, scheduled for Saturday, November 7. The Fall Stars Game weekend will showcase top performers from the league as the AFL season continues.