Mets Sign Pitcher Clay Holmes to Major Contract
In a significant move for the New York Mets, pitcher Clay Holmes has reached a three-year deal worth $38 million. This news came to light on Friday from a source close to the negotiations who requested anonymity, as the agreement hinges on Holmes passing a required physical exam.
The 31-year-old right-hander has the opportunity to earn $13 million in each of the first two years of his contract, along with $12 million in the final year of 2027. Additionally, Holmes has the option to opt out after the 2026 season and re-enter the free agent market.
Holmes has established himself as a strong pitcher, notably as a closer for the New York Yankees after being acquired from Pittsburgh in July 2021. He even earned All-Star honors twice during his tenure. However, this past season presented challenges for him, particularly with control issues and difficulty handling soft contact hits. Notably, he lost his closer role after a rough outing against the Texas Rangers on September 3, where he allowed a game-ending grand slam.
Throughout the season, Holmes recorded a 3-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and achieved a career-high of 30 saves in 67 games, although he led the league with 13 blown saves. In the postseason, he found success as a setup man for the Yankees, posting a 3-1 record with a 2.25 ERA over 13 games.
Holmes’ sinker was a key part of his strategy, as he threw it at an average speed of 96.6 mph while using it 56% of the time. In his three seasons with the Yankees, he amassed 74 saves out of 95 chances, and overall, he holds a 24-22 record and a 3.71 ERA across seven seasons in Major League Baseball.
Following a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series, the Mets have also bolstered their pitching lineup by signing Frankie Montas to a $34 million two-year contract. Unfortunately, standout pitcher Luis Severino, who led the Mets in innings pitched last season, has chosen to leave for a lucrative $67 million deal with the Athletics. Meanwhile, left-handers Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana remain available in the market.
On Friday, the Mets also announced minor league contracts with right-hander Grant Hartwig and outfielders Edward Olivares and Alex Ramírez, along with acquiring right-hander Sean Harney from Tampa Bay in exchange for a 2024 international bonus pool allocation.
