DALLAS — On Monday, the New York Mets solidified a three-year contract worth $38 million with Clay Holmes, signaling a shift in his role from a reliever to a starting pitcher.
Under the terms of the deal, Holmes will earn a salary of $13 million for each of the first two years, while also having the option to decide on a $12 million player option for 2027, which does not include a buyout clause.
David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, expressed enthusiasm regarding the addition of Holmes, highlighting the team’s intention to support his transition to the starting lineup. “Clay possesses an elite skill set, is familiar with New York, and will play a vital role in our future endeavors,” Stearns stated in a press release.
Clay Holmes made four starts in the major leagues during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates, following his MLB debut in 2018, and showcased impressive performance with 114 starts in the minor leagues.
After being traded to the New York Yankees in July 2021, Holmes became a formidable closer and was recognized as a two-time All-Star. However, he faced challenges this season, particularly with his control and the occurrence of hits resulting from weak contact. Following a tough outing where he allowed a game-ending grand slam to Texas rookie Wyatt Langford on September 3, he lost his position as closer to Luke Weaver.
Holmes concluded the season with a 3-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, and a career-high of 30 saves across 67 appearances, while leading the league with 13 blown saves. Nevertheless, he regained his form later by finding consistency with his sinker, which proved effective as a setup man during the postseason for the American League champion Yankees. His postseason record stood at 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA over 13 games.
This past season, Holmes’ sinker averaged an impressive 96.6 mph, and he relied on it 56% of the time, also incorporating sliders and sweepers at 23% and 21%, respectively. His groundball rate of 65% ranked second in the league to Tim Hill, while his three-year average groundball rate was the highest in the majors at 68.6%.
As he approaches his 32nd birthday in March, Holmes boasts a successful record with 74 saves out of 95 opportunities during his three-year stint with the Yankees, alongside a career record of 24-22 and a 3.71 ERA over seven seasons in the majors.
Following their recent NL Championship Series appearance, where they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Mets bolstered their roster by signing right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year contract worth $34 million.
Luis Severino, who topped the Mets in innings pitched with 182, has chosen free agency and secured a three-year contract for $67 million with the Oakland Athletics that includes a $10 million signing bonus, with salaries set at $15 million for next year and $20 million in 2026. Severino also has a $22 million player option for 2027.
Meanwhile, left-handers Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana, critical members of the previous year’s rotation, are still available in the free agent market.
