3 Reasons Why the Mets Are Converting Clay Holmes to a Starter
The New York Mets have made headlines by signing veteran right-hander Clay Holmes to a three-year, $38 million deal. This move comes as a surprise to many, as Holmes has primarily been a reliever throughout his career. However, initial reports suggest that the Mets plan to transition him to a starting role, a position he hasn’t held since his debut in 2018. But what exactly prompted this decision, and what makes the Mets believe Holmes can succeed in this new role? Let’s delve into three key reasons behind this strategic move.
Good Innate Traits
When distinguishing between starting pitchers and relievers, certain factors come into play. Starters typically possess a wider repertoire of quality pitches, better control, and enhanced durability to pitch deeper into games. In Holmes’ case, he showcases a diverse pitching arsenal consisting of a mid-to-upper 90s sinker, an upper-80s slider, and a low-80s sweeper. These pitches have been rated above average by baseball metrics, highlighting his effectiveness on the mound.
Despite lacking a changeup, Holmes has excelled against left-handed hitters, maintaining a low OPS against them throughout his career. Additionally, his exceptional control and minimal injury history further bolster his case as a potential starter. With three solid offerings, above-average control, and a clean bill of health, Holmes possesses the essential qualities needed to succeed in a starting role.
Recent Precedent
The Mets’ decision to convert Holmes to a starter isn’t unprecedented in today’s MLB landscape. Several pitchers successfully made the transition from reliever to starter last season, demonstrating the viability of such a move. Players like Jordan Hicks and Reynaldo López thrived in their new roles, earning accolades and showcasing their adaptability on the mound.
Furthermore, the 2024 season saw continued success for pitchers transitioning from the bullpen to the starting rotation. With a proven track record of relievers excelling as starters, the Mets have ample reason to believe that Holmes can follow suit and make a seamless transition to his new role.
Good Risk-Reward Proposition
Despite the perceived risk of converting Holmes to a starter, the Mets have structured the deal in a way that minimizes potential downsides. If Holmes struggles in his new role, he can easily revert to the bullpen without jeopardizing his contract or season performance. This flexibility allows the Mets to experiment with Holmes as a starter while mitigating any adverse outcomes.
Moreover, Holmes’ contract value aligns with his recent performance as a high-leverage reliever, offering the Mets a fair assessment of his current abilities. By paying for his proven track record rather than speculative potential, the Mets have positioned themselves for a potentially high-reward scenario if Holmes excels in his new role.
In conclusion, the Mets’ decision to convert Clay Holmes to a starter reflects a calculated risk based on his innate traits, recent league trends, and structured contract terms. While the transition may seem unconventional, the Mets’ strategic approach underscores their confidence in Holmes’ ability to thrive in a starting role. As the MLB offseason unfolds, this move stands out as a bold yet calculated maneuver that could reshape the Mets’ pitching staff for the upcoming season.
