With their latest addition to a new-look rotation, the New York Mets are getting creative.
The Mets and right-hander Clay Holmes have agreed to a three-year contract worth $38 million, league sources confirmed to The Athletic. Holmes’ agreement with Mets, per league sources, breaks down as follows: $13 million in year one, $13 million in year two and $12 million in year three (he has an opt-out after the second year). The New York Post first reported the deal.
The Mets plan to use Holmes, the former New York Yankees closer, as a starting pitcher.
If Holmes doesn’t pan out in the rotation, the fallback option could be to have him work as a setup reliever to closer Edwin Díaz.
But the Mets had indicated to Holmes during their meeting with him that they were intrigued by his potential as a starting pitcher.
Holmes, 31, last started a game in 2018. He began his career as a starter in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system. While he was in Triple A for the second straight year in 2018, the Pirates started using him in a hybrid role, with his making starts and relief appearances. He made four starts but had a 7.80 ERA in the role before shifting full time to the bullpen.
Source confirms: Mets in agreement with free agent right-hander Clay Holmes on three-year, $38M contract, pending physical. Opt out after second year. Plan is to make him a starter. First: @Joelsherman1
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2024
Over his career as a reliever, Holmes has a 3.52 ERA and is a two-time All-Star.
A handful of other teams beyond the Mets were interested in Holmes as a starter, league sources said. Holmes’ three pitches (sinker, slider, sweeper) and his stuff led to a lot of groundballs. Holmes has thrown at least 60 innings in each of the past four seasons but has never logged more than 70, his total in 2021.
The Mets’ familiarity with Holmes should help. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was previously the Yankees’ bench coach and his time overlapped with Holmes. Also, the Mets recently hired Desi Druschel, formerly on the Yankees’ coaching staff, to be their assistant pitching coach.
After signing Frankie Montas earlier this week, the Mets remained interested in adding multiple other starting pitchers, club sources said.
Given the high prices for pitching so far in the market, it is unsurprising to see the Mets look for opportunities. The Mets are confident in their approach to pitching development under president of baseball operations David Stearns and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner.
Holmes will join former relievers such as Seth Lugo, Reynaldo López, Michael King and Jordan Hicks who have made the transition over the past couple of years.
GO DEEPER
Frankie Montas takes inspiration from Mets’ pitching success stories
(Photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
