Clay Holmes Signs Three-Year, $38M Deal with New York Mets: Transitioning to Starting Rotation
Veteran right-handed reliever Clay Holmes has reached an agreement with the New York Mets on a lucrative three-year contract valued at $38 million, as reported by the New York Post. The Mets organization has yet to officially confirm the deal. Holmes, a seasoned pitcher who will celebrate his 32nd birthday just before the upcoming Opening Day, showcased his skills last season, posting an impressive 3.14 ERA (131 ERA+) and a 3.02 FIP over 63 innings with the New York Yankees. Despite losing his closing role with the eventual American League champions, Holmes achieved a career-best 30 saves while striking out 68 batters and issuing 21 unintentional walks.
Transition to Starting Pitcher
The New York Post has disclosed that the Mets plan to utilize Holmes as a starting pitcher in the upcoming season. Although he primarily rose through the minor leagues as a starter and made four starting appearances in the majors back in 2018, he has since primarily served as a reliever. Recent years have witnessed several successful transitions from relief to starting roles, with notable examples including Seth Lugo, Reynaldo López, and Michael King. Holmes is slated to join a revamped Mets rotation featuring Kodai Senga, newly acquired Frankie Montas, Paul Blackburn, and potentially David Peterson or Tylor Megill.
Career Achievements and Expectations
CBS Sports recently ranked Holmes as the 23rd best free agent in the current class. Despite facing challenges in his final season with the Yankees, where he lost his closing position after struggling in save opportunities, Holmes demonstrated adaptability and made crucial adjustments to his pitching approach. His impressive career statistics, including a strong ERA+ of 113 across seven major-league seasons and two All-Star selections, have solidified his reputation as a reliable and versatile pitcher.
In conclusion, Clay Holmes’ transition to the New York Mets signifies a fresh chapter in his career, as he embarks on a new role in the team’s starting rotation. With a proven track record of success and the Mets’ strategic utilization of his talents, Holmes is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season and contribute to the team’s pursuit of success in the competitive world of Major League Baseball.
