By John Nolan
PBR Virginia/D.C.

Nansemond River pitcher and first basemen and 2014 Top Prospect Games participant Matthew Holt has committed to attend LaSalle University in the fall of 2016. Holt will join fellow classmates Dion Jordan (OF, 2016, Norfolk State) and Michael Blanchard (RHP, 2016, Old Dominion) in Division I next fall as the Warriors will have a strong senior class this spring to build off a 2015 season that saw them finish No. 19 in the Prep Baseball Report Virginia/DC Power 25.

Holt has a big frame with a strong lower half. He throws from a three-quarters arm slot and has a drop and drive delivery. His arm action has a bit of a wrap to it and he has a quick arm stroke that generates easy velocity. His shoulders are uphill and on line as he strides out to a slightly closed landing before coming to an athletic finish. Holt’s fastball ran 82-84 in June with late run and good downhill plane. His curveball was thrown with full armspeed and had late 10/4 break, running 67-72. His changeup was also thrown with full armspeed and had armside run to it and sat 73-76. Holt had good command of all three of his pitches.

Offensively, Holt hits from a balanced and athletic stance that was slightly open. He has a smooth load back and a smooth, controlled stride that stays on line.  Holt maintained balance throughout his swing and has good lower half drive to the baseball. He has explosive hands with a bat exit velocity of 95 mph. Holt’s swing path is short and level through the zone with good extension and he has fluid rhythm. In the field, he threw from high ¾ arm slot that was loose with accurate throws. His positional velocity was 74 mph. Holt showed soft hands and his footwork was slow and on heels. He had quick, clean exchanges.

When he arrives at LaSalle, Holt will have the ability to contribute to the Explorers either as a potential power threat at the plate or as an option out of the pen. Holt has the potential to develop into a legitimate two-way threat during his college career, as he has the stuff on the mound to grow into a weekend starter and the power potential to be a middle of the lineup hitter at some point in his career.

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