Illustration of Clay Holmes: From Closer to Mets Starter – A New Era Begins

Clay Holmes: From Closer to Mets Starter – A New Era Begins

Right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes has signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the New York Mets, which includes an opt-out clause after the second year, as confirmed by sources. This agreement comes on the heels of Holmes’ impressive postseason performance with the New York Yankees, where he struck out 12 batters.

The Mets intend to transition Holmes from his traditional role as a relief pitcher to a starting position, a shift that follows his last start during his rookie season in 2018. Prior to joining the Yankees, Holmes was a somewhat underwhelming reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but his career took off after New York acquired him at the 2021 trade deadline. He turned in a remarkable 1.61 ERA in the latter part of that season and later served as the Yankees’ closer, earning 20 saves and making the All-Star team in 2022.

Following another All-Star season in 2023, where he initially performed strongly, Holmes struggled with saves throughout the summer, leading the league with 13 blown saves. Despite these challenges, he finished the regular season with a 3.14 ERA and 30 saves over 67 appearances, although he faced difficulties during the postseason.

Holmes possesses an impressive pitching arsenal, characterized by a high-90s sinker and a devastating slider, complemented by his extraordinary ability to generate ground balls, ranking him among the top in the league in ground ball rates for the 2024 season. His unique skill set made him a sought-after player in the free-agency market.

The Yankees opted not to pursue Holmes due to their strategy of focusing on developing cost-effective bullpen options as they explore other significant offseason investments, with star player Juan Soto at the forefront of their plans.

In summary, this marks a new chapter for Clay Holmes as he seeks to shine as a starting pitcher for the Mets, highlighting the evolving dynamics of players transitioning between roles in professional baseball. Fans can look forward to seeing how Holmes adapts to this change and the potential success it could bring him and his new team. This move reflects not only the growth and development of Holmes as a player but also the strategic direction both the Mets and Yankees are taking in the league.

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