Clay Holmes: From Closer to Starter
In a surprising move, the New York Mets have signed veteran right-hander Clay Holmes to a three-year contract worth $38 million. Holmes, who previously played for the crosstown Yankees, is set to transition from a reliever to a starter, a role he hasn’t held since his major league debut in 2018.
The Mets’ Calculated Gamble
You might be wondering what prompted the Mets to make such a bold move with Holmes. After all, transitioning a pitcher from the bullpen to the starting rotation is no small task. However, there are three compelling reasons behind the Mets’ decision.
1. Good Innate Traits
Holmes possesses a diverse pitching arsenal, including a mid-to-upper 90s sinker, an upper-80s slider, and a low-80s sweeper. Despite lacking a changeup, Holmes has excelled against left-handed batters, boasting a career OPS of .705 against them. His above-average control and durability further enhance his potential as a starter. With no recent arm troubles and consistent strike-throwing ability, Holmes has the makings of a successful starter.
2. Recent Precedent
The Mets aren’t the first team to experiment with transitioning a reliever to a starter. In the past season, pitchers like Jordan Hicks and Reynaldo López successfully made the switch, demonstrating that such conversions can yield positive results. With other pitchers like Seth Lugo and Michael King also finding success in new roles, the trend of bullpen arms becoming starters is gaining traction across the league.
3. Good Risk-Reward Proposition
Despite the perceived risk of converting Holmes to a starter, the Mets’ investment in him is relatively low-risk. If Holmes struggles in his new role, he can easily return to the bullpen without jeopardizing his contract. By paying him based on his past performance as a high-leverage reliever, the Mets have set themselves up for a potentially high-reward scenario.
Overall, the Mets’ decision to transition Clay Holmes from a closer to a starter is rooted in sound reasoning and supported by recent success stories in the league. While the move may seem unconventional, it presents a unique opportunity for Holmes to showcase his skills in a new role and for the Mets to strengthen their pitching rotation.