Clay Holmes, the talented right-handed pitcher, has signed a three-year contract worth $38 million with the New York Mets, which includes an opt-out option after the second year. Sources close to the situation have confirmed this agreement.
Holmes, who has primarily played as a reliever throughout his career, is being transitioned to a starting pitcher role with the Mets, despite not having started a game since his rookie season in 2018.
He started his MLB journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he had a modest run as a reliever for over three years after investing seven years in the minor leagues. However, his career took a significant turn when he was traded to the New York Yankees in 2021. At that time, he had an ERA of 4.93, but he quickly found his rhythm in New York’s bullpen, achieving an impressive 1.61 ERA in 25 appearances. By 2022, he stepped up as the team’s closer, earned a spot on the All-Star team, and finished the season with a commendable 2.54 ERA and 20 saves.
In 2023, Holmes repeated his All-Star performance, showcasing his ability to be an effective reliever. Although he faced challenges later in the season, leading the league with 13 blown saves, he still managed to conclude the regular season with a 3.14 ERA and 30 saves in 67 games. In the postseason, he gave up three runs over 13 appearances.
Holmes’ impressive skill set—including a high-90s sinker and a devastating slider—along with his elite ground ball rate, ranked second in the majors in 2024, made him a highly sought-after player among several contenders during free agency.
On the other hand, the Yankees chose not to retain Holmes, instead focusing on developing cost-effective bullpen options while aiming to allocate resources to other areas of need, particularly pursuing star player Juan Soto.
This new chapter for Clay Holmes with the Mets offers exciting prospects, as he embarks on his journey to become a starter—an opportunity that could further enhance his career and showcase his abilities on a new stage.
In summary, Clay Holmes, a promising pitcher with a dynamic skill set, joins the Mets in a strategic move that could reinvigorate both his career and the team’s pitching lineup, reflecting the constant evolution and strategic planning in Major League Baseball.