In a significant move for Major League Baseball’s offseason, pitcher Clay Holmes has reached an agreement with the New York Mets on a $38 million, three-year contract. This development, confirmed by a source familiar with the negotiations, marks a strategic acquisition for the Mets as they prepare for the upcoming seasons.
Holmes, a 31-year-old right-hander, is set to earn $13 million in each of the first two years and $12 million in the final year, with an option to opt out after the 2026 season. This deal, first reported by The New York Post, underscores the Mets’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their bullpen.
A dominant closer during his time with the New York Yankees, Holmes became a two-time All-Star and exhibited prowess on the mound since his acquisition from the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 2021. Despite a challenging season marked by control issues and hits on soft contact, he remained a valuable asset for the Yankees, finishing 3-5 with a 3.14 ERA and a career-high 30 saves in 67 appearances.
Holmes encountered setbacks, notably losing his closer position to Luke Weaver after a grand slam by Texas rookie Wyatt Langford. However, he adapted by returning to his roots, effectively utilizing his sinker—a pitch averaging 96.6 mph more than half the time—to reclaim his role as a setup man, posting a 3-1 record and a 2.25 ERA in 13 postseason games.
In his tenure with the Yankees, Holmes secured 74 saves in 95 opportunities over three years, with a cumulative ERA of 3.71 across seven seasons in the major leagues. His transition to the Mets follows the team’s journey to the National League Championship Series, where they fell short against the eventual World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Mets have been actively reshaping their roster, notably adding right-hander Frankie Montas with a $34 million, two-year contract and navigating the departure of Luis Severino, a key player who joined the Athletics with a $67 million, three-year deal. Additionally, left-handers Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana are currently on the market, aligning with New York’s strategic considerations as they bolster their pitching lineup.
In parallel with Holmes’ signing, the Mets also announced minor league deals with right-hander Grant Hartwig and outfielders Edward Olivares and Alex RamÃrez, complemented by the acquisition of right-hander Sean Harney from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for 2024 international bonus pool allocation.
Clay Holmes’ agreement with the Mets signifies a pivotal step in the team’s efforts to assemble a competitive roster. With Holmes aboard, the Mets are poised to enhance their pitching depth, a crucial component in their pursuit of postseason success in forthcoming seasons.
