Clay Holmes is officially no longer a Yankees player. The New York Mets have secured the free agent right-hander on a three-year, $38 million contract, per MLB insider Joel Sherman. Formerly a Yankees closer, Holmes will explore a new role in the Mets’ rotation, with the fallback option of serving as a setup man for Edwin Diaz.

Clay Holmes’ transition from reliever to starter

Holmes, 32 in April, has spent the past three and a half seasons in the Bronx, where he established himself as one of the league’s elite ground-ball pitchers. Over 217 2/3 innings with the Yankees, he compiled a stellar 2.69 ERA, a 26.6% strikeout rate, and a 7.7% walk rate. His signature sinker, averaging 96.5 mph, induced grounders at an extraordinary 68% clip, making him a reliable late-inning option.

Despite Holmes’ success as a reliever, his free agency was marked by interest from teams envisioning him as a starter. According to The Athletic’s Jayson Stark, Holmes had been negotiating with a “long list of contending clubs” before choosing the Mets. Joel Sherman had previously reported that the Mets were intrigued by his potential as a starter, while Matt Gelb of The Athletic noted the Phillies preferred him in a bullpen role. Ultimately, the Mets’ vision for Holmes in a dual capacity might have swayed his decision.

Holmes’ 2024 season offered a mix of highs and lows. Across 63 innings, he recorded a 3.14 ERA with a 25.1% strikeout rate, an 8.1% walk rate, and a 65% ground-ball rate. He also notched 30 saves, bringing his career total to 74. However, an uncharacteristic 13 blown saves led to him ceding closing duties to teammate Luke Weaver late in the season. Holmes rebounded in the postseason, logging 12 innings of 2.25 ERA ball across 13 appearances. He struck out 25% of batters, walked 10.4%, and maintained a 53.6% ground-ball rate while collecting five holds and a 3-1 record in high-leverage spots.

For the Mets, the signing represents both an investment in Holmes’ proven ability as a reliever and a gamble on his potential to transition to the rotation. With his heavy sinker and elite ground-ball tendencies, Holmes could bring a unique dynamic to the starting staff. If the experiment falters, his track record in late-inning relief provides a strong safety net.

The move marks the end of Holmes’ Yankees tenure, during which he transformed from a middling Pirates reliever into one of the game’s most effective ground-ball specialists. Now, Holmes begins a new chapter with the Mets, offering versatility and experience to a team looking to contend in 2025. Whether in the rotation or setting up Diaz, Holmes’ ability to adapt will be crucial to his success in Queens.