The New York Mets and Relief Pitcher Clay Holmes agreed to terms on a 3-year $38 million contract earlier tonight. Holmes is coming off a solid season with the cross-town New York Yankees as he finished eighth in the league in saves and had a 3.14 ERA. Holmes did not surrender an earned run over his first 20 appearances of 2024, and the New York Mets hope they can get that version of Holmes in Queens in 2025 and beyond.
New York is planning to use one of the league’s best relief pitchers in a new way in 2025. According to multiple media reports, the New York Mets are hoping to utilize Holmes as a starting pitcher during his time in Queens. Holmes’ last start was in 2018, his rookie season in Major League Baseball. He has shown the ability to remain effective though when allowed to pitch more than one inning. Holmes had a 0.56 ERA in 11 outings of more than one inning in 2024. If this plan does not work, Holmes will be utilized in a set-up role to star Closer Edwin Diaz. Will the New York Mets and Clay Holmes be a successful pairing?
New York Mets Season Summary
The Holmes contract is for 3 years at about $38M https://t.co/cD8ZIfiMFq
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 7, 2024
The New York Mets are looking to build upon their most successful season in nearly a decade as they made the NLCS. They ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games, but New York still had a very successful season. The Mets’ pitching staff was a strength in 2024, and their first two big moves of the MLB Offseason have been to bolster that part of their team. The team signed Starting Pitcher Frankie Montas earlier this week.
New York was 15th in ERA during the regular season, fifth in strikeouts, and second in opposing batting average. New York’s pitching staff hurt them though during their improbable playoff run. They were 10th of 12 teams in team ERA during the postseason. Their ERA was skewed by the Dodgers offense having a historic series at the plate.
Final Thoughts
The New York Mets have made a concerted effort to improve their pitching staff, but they are far from done this offseason. New York is reportedly one of the final teams in the Juan Soto sweepstakes. The perennial all-star is expected to make his decision this weekend, and the New York Mets hope they are the last team standing. While Holmes is a standout signing for New York, he is not the former New York Yankees player the Mets have their sights set on.
