PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Clay Holmes, a right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, is set to take the mound on opening day, marking his first start since 2018. Holmes has transitioned from the bullpen to the starting rotation, showcasing his skills with 9 2/3 scoreless innings over three Grapefruit League appearances.
The Mets will face off against Houston for their season opener on March 27. Throughout these three spring training games, Holmes has impressively struck out 13 batters, issued four walks, and conceded only two hits.
“He earned it,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza commented to the press on Friday. “We like what we’re seeing. I know it’s a small sample size here, but it’s very encouraging.”
When Holmes was signed to a three-year, $38 million contract in December, the Mets had hinted at their intention to convert him into a starting pitcher. Holmes initially began his career as a starter, making four starts in his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, he has never logged more than 70 innings in any single major league season.
Turning 32 on the same day as the Mets’ opening game, Holmes posted a 3-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and 30 saves in 67 appearances for the New York Yankees last season. He also tallied 68 strikeouts and 22 walks in 63 innings.
In his career, Holmes holds a 24-22 record with a 3.71 ERA over 311 appearances. During his tenure with the Yankees, he amassed 74 saves and was selected for the AL All-Star team in both 2022 and 2024.
