The New York Mets are set to adopt an unconventional strategy to bolster their starting rotation by bringing on right-handed reliever Clay Holmes. As reported by various sources, the Mets have reached a tentative agreement with Holmes on a three-year contract worth $38 million, contingent upon a successful physical examination.
Holmes, who primarily served as the closer for the New York Yankees over the past three seasons, is preparing to transition back into a starting role for the first time since his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018. This shift is significant given that Holmes excelled as a reliever, notably recording a career-high of 30 saves in 2024, alongside a remarkable effort that secured him a spot in the All-Star team during the 2022 and 2024 seasons.
During his tenure with the Yankees, Holmes accumulated a total of 74 saves, striking out 204 batters over 189⅔ innings, with an impressive 2.89 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. His journey began when he was drafted by the Pirates in 2011, and over six seasons in their minor league system, he was primarily developed as a starting pitcher.
Looking at Holmes’ performance history, his few starts in the major leagues resulted in a 1-2 record with a 7.80 ERA, but since converting to a relief role, he has simplified his pitching arsenal, focusing on a sinker, slider, and curveball. His sinker velocity reached an average of 96.6 mph in 2024, contributing to his success as a ground-ball pitcher, achieving a 64.6% ground-ball rate—one of the best in baseball for pitchers with over 250 plate appearances last season.
Following a challenging period in which he lost his closer position due to ten blown saves, the Mets will look to Holmes to stabilize their rotation, which features Kodai Senga and David Peterson. The Mets are optimistic about recent addition Frankie Montas as well, hoping to reclaim his former pitching prowess.
Holmes’ transition echoes the journey of former Met Seth Lugo, who also made a successful shift from starting to relieving and later back to starting for the San Diego Padres, where he achieved notable success, finishing as a runner-up in the American League Cy Young voting.
Overall, the Mets’ decision to pivot Holmes into a starting pitcher role could cultivate new strengths for him and the team, fostering an atmosphere of adaptability and resilience within the franchise. As they move forward through this unorthodox adjustment, there’s a sense of optimism that this strategy may yield positive outcomes akin to what Lugo achieved.
In summary, the Mets are banking on Clay Holmes to revitalize their starting rotation, inspired by previous success stories of players making similar transitions. This innovative approach highlights the team’s willingness to adapt and explore new avenues for success.