Clay Holmes Joins Mets: A Bold Move to Reinvent His Role
In a move that’s sure to shake up the MLB offseason, right-hander Clay Holmes and the New York Mets have agreed to a three-year, $38 million contract, complete with an opt-out after the second year. This news, confirmed by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, has fans buzzing about the Mets’ bold plans for Holmes.
Here’s the twist: the Mets aren’t bringing Holmes on board to bolster their bullpen. Instead, they’re planning to convert the 31-year-old reliever into a starter—a role he hasn’t played since his rookie season back in 2018. It’s a gamble, no doubt, but one that could pay off big if Holmes can adapt to the demands of starting games.
From Middling Reliever to All-Star Closer
Holmes’ journey to this point has been anything but conventional. He began his big-league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he spent three-plus seasons as a middling reliever after seven years in the minors. His ERA during that time? A less-than-stellar 4.93. But everything changed when the New York Yankees acquired him at the 2021 trade deadline in exchange for two minor leaguers.
Holmes wasted no time making an impact in the Bronx. In just 25 games with the Yankees that season, he posted a jaw-dropping 1.61 ERA, proving he had the stuff to thrive in high-pressure situations. By 2022, he had taken over as the Yankees’ closer, replacing Aroldis Chapman. That year, Holmes notched a 2.54 ERA, recorded 20 saves, and earned his first All-Star selection. It was a remarkable turnaround for a pitcher who had once been an afterthought in Pittsburgh.
2024: A Rollercoaster Season
Holmes followed up his breakout year with another All-Star nod in 2024, thanks to a dominant start to the season. But as the summer wore on, cracks began to show. He led the league with 13 blown saves—four more than any other reliever—and was ultimately demoted from the closer role in early September. Despite these struggles, Holmes still managed to finish the regular season with a respectable 3.14 ERA and 30 saves in 67 appearances. In the postseason, he allowed three runs over 13 games, primarily serving as a setup man or fireman.
Even with his ups and downs, Holmes’ raw talent is undeniable. His high-90s sinker and devastating slider make him a nightmare for opposing hitters, and his ability to induce ground balls is elite. In fact, he produced the second-highest ground ball rate in the majors in 2024. It’s no wonder several contenders were interested in him during free agency.
Why the Yankees Let Him Walk
Despite Holmes’ obvious upside, the Yankees decided he wasn’t worth the price tag. The organization has a knack for finding and developing bullpen talent on the cheap, as evidenced by their success with Holmes in 2021 and Luke Weaver last season. Instead of spending big on relievers, the Yankees are focusing their resources elsewhere this offseason, with Juan Soto reportedly at the top of their wish list.
What’s Next for Holmes and the Mets?
The Mets’ decision to sign Holmes and transition him into a starter is a fascinating one. It’s rare to see a reliever with Holmes’ track record make such a dramatic shift this late in his career. But if the experiment works, the Mets could have a game-changing weapon in their rotation. And with an opt-out clause after the second year, Holmes has plenty of incentive to prove he can thrive in his new role.
As for the Yankees, they’ll be watching closely to see how their former closer fares in Queens. If Holmes succeeds, it could raise questions about whether the Yankees made the right call in letting him go. But if he struggles, it will only reinforce their reputation as masters of bullpen management.
Key Takeaways
- Clay Holmes has agreed to a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets, including an opt-out after the second year.
- The Mets plan to convert Holmes from a reliever to a starter, a role he hasn’t played since 2018.
- Holmes was an All-Star in 2022 and 2024 but struggled with consistency last season, leading the league with 13 blown saves.
- The Yankees opted not to re-sign Holmes, focusing instead on other priorities like Juan Soto.
The deal is pending a physical, but if all goes well, Holmes will soon be suiting up for the Mets. Whether he can make the leap from the bullpen to the starting rotation remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: this is a storyline every baseball fan will want to follow.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
