Veteran right-handed reliever Clay Holmes has reportedly reached an agreement with the New York Mets on a three-year contract valued at $38 million. Although the team has yet to officially announce the deal, it signals a notable addition to their roster.
Holmes, who will soon celebrate his 32nd birthday just before Opening Day, had a solid 2023 season with the New York Yankees. He posted a 3.14 ERA (131 ERA+) and a fielding independent pitching (FIP) of 3.02 over 63 innings, managing to secure a personal best of 30 saves despite ultimately losing his role as the team’s closer. Throughout the season, he notched 68 strikeouts while allowing 21 walks.
Intriguingly, the Mets plan to explore Holmes as a starting pitcher next season. This is a return to his roots, as he developed as a starter in the minors and made four major league starts back in 2018. Recently, several relievers have successfully made this transition, including former Mets pitcher Seth Lugo. Other notable examples include Reynaldo López and Michael King. Holmes is set to join an updated rotation that includes Kodai Senga, new signing Frankie Montas, Paul Blackburn, and possibly David Peterson or Tylor Megill.
Earlier in the offseason, Holmes was ranked as the 23rd best available free agent by CBS Sports. His tenure with the Yankees was impressive by multiple measures; over three seasons, he achieved a 155 ERA+, a 3.45 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and 74 saves. Although he faced challenges last season, notably blowing 13 of 43 save opportunities, Holmes showcased his ability to adapt by refining his pitching strategy, such as reducing slider usage in favor of a sweeper and increasing reliance on his signature sinker. His successful track record indicates that teams are likely to overlook some of his recent struggles and eagerly invest in his potential as both a strong reliever and an experimental starter.
Overall, Holmes, who boasts an ERA+ of 113 across nearly seven seasons in the majors, has shown promise in 307 of his 311 appearances as a reliever and has even been selected as an All-Star twice. His transition to a starting role with the Mets offers hope for a rejuvenated career and could add significant depth to the team’s pitching lineup.
This change presents an exciting opportunity for both Holmes and the Mets as they aim for success in the upcoming season.