Reds quietly sign viral college star with unforgettable highlight

The Cincinnati Reds signed free agent outfielder and former Arkansas standout Peyton Holt to a minor-league contract and assigned him to Low-A Daytona. Though not a household name, Holt may have had the most memorable highlight of the entire 2024 college baseball season.

Holt's No. 2-ranked Razorbacks were playing the Florida Gators late last April and were leading 6-5 in the top of the eighth inning with one out and the bases loaded. Florida's catcher Brody Donay was standing 90 feet from home plate, meaning all the Gators needed was a fly ball to the outfield in order to tie the game.

Reds quietly sign viral college star Peyton Holt who presented the baseball world with an unforgettable highlight

Florida got exactly that when shortstop Colby Shelton shot a ball to deep center field. Once the catch was made, all Donay had to do is sprint toward the plate. Unfortunately for the Gators, Holt had other ideas.

The Razorbacks' centerfielder faked the catch, which caused the runner to advance toward home before the ball was securely in Holt's mitt. Donay then had to retreat to third base in order to tag up before running home, but it was too late. Holt caught the ball — for the second out of the inning — then threw to the third baseman who relayed the ball to home plate which allowed the catcher to apply the tag for the final out of the inning. The broadcast was stunned by the play calling it "the ultimate deke."

Holt went undrafted last year after posting a .322/.412/.507 slash line with the Razorbacks during his senior season. The Arkansas native had eight home runs and 27 RBI last season and finished his college career with a .969 OPS.

Prior to signing with the Reds, Holt had been playing for the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association of Professional Baseball. The 24-year-old will now get the opportunity to make his major league dream come true as he hopes to ascend up the ranks of the Reds farm system.

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