Clay Holmes Confident and Excited About Transition to Starting Role with New York Mets

A Turning Point for Clay Holmes

After six years as a bullpen stalwart, Clay Holmes has embraced a new challenge, confident in his ability to succeed as a starting pitcher. This career shift not only marks a pivotal moment for Holmes but also opens up new opportunities with the New York Mets. The All-Star closer is enthusiastic about his new role and optimistic that his move could serve as a beacon for Juan Soto, a fellow superstar teammate.

Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets, just before Soto departed the New York Yankees to ink a record-setting 15-year, $765 million deal with the crosstown rival Mets. “In my heart, I can’t lie,” Holmes shared on a Zoom call with reporters. “Clearly, I made this decision because I thought it was the best spot. But hopefully, Juan sees this, sees the stability here, and follows me here.”

From Closer to Starter: A New Path for Holmes

Twice named an All-Star as a closer with the Yankees, Holmes began his professional journey in the minors, where the idea of starting had always intrigued him. At one point in 2020, he was even “somewhat excited” about the possibility of starting for an overseas team. As a reliever, Holmes leaned heavily on his signature sinker, averaging 96.6 mph last season. Utilizing it 56% of the time, alongside a 23% slider and 21% sweeper, Holmes maintained an exceptional 68.6% ground-ball rate over the past three years, one of the best in the majors.

These stats have made Holmes a formidable force on the mound, silencing hitters from both sides of the plate. Recently, he expanded his repertoire, developing a changeup and a four-seam fastball during bullpen sessions with Desi Druschel, the former Yankees assistant pitching coach, now with the Mets.

Expanding His Arsenal

“There’s some room in there for a deeper arsenal that’s tough to refine as a reliever,” Holmes remarked. “You’ve got a limited window and pitches that need to stay sharp. But I think I’ve got the depth and tools to be less predictable instead of relying solely on my sinker. Starting gives me the best chance to showcase that and put it to use.”

Holmes, who made 114 minor league starts and four major league starts as a rookie with Pittsburgh in 2018, said he didn’t want to regret never exploring a starting role. Upon entering free agency this fall, he was approached by several teams interested in him as a starter. Holmes found staying in New York appealing and felt the Mets’ robust pitching infrastructure, built under president of baseball operations David Stearns, provided the ideal opportunity. Stearns has assembled an exceptional coaching staff, including Druschel, Jeremy Hefner, and Carlos Mendoza, who was the Yankees’ bench coach for most of Holmes’ tenure in pinstripes.

Season Goals and Team Dynamics

At 32 years old in March, Holmes holds a $12 million player option for 2027 with no buyout. He shared his intention to pitch 160 innings in the upcoming season, praising the Mets for not limiting his workload. He joins a projected rotation featuring Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Frankie Montas, and Paul Blackburn, with other candidates like Tylor Megill in the mix.

Holmes also noted he’d need to make minor adjustments to his fitness regime but felt fortunate to train this offseason with Garrett Crochet, the left-hander who transitioned from a reliever role with the Chicago White Sox to become a Boston Red Sox starter. Holmes drew inspiration from successful transitions made by pitchers like Michael King of the Padres, Reynaldo López of the Braves, and Seth Lugo of the Royals.

Clay Holmes: A New Chapter

Clay Holmes embarks on a promising new chapter with the New York Mets, brimming with confidence and determination. His goal isn’t just to excel as a starter but also to inspire fellow superstars like Juan Soto. This transition represents more than a career pivot for Holmes; it’s a cornerstone of the Mets’ strategic ambitions.

Anticipation for the Upcoming Season

Holmes’ journey is not merely a role change—it’s a quest for personal growth and enhanced skills. With immense potential and a strong coaching network, fans have every reason to expect an outstanding season for Holmes and the Mets. Let’s look forward to the upcoming season and see how Clay Holmes’ new path unfolds!