Clay Holmes's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes, who is expected to move from a relief role to a starting role with his new team in 2025, said he wants to be able to throw at least 160 innings next season. Holmes signed with the Mets in free agency and has confidence in the training staff to help with his transition to the starting rotation. The 31-year-old spent the last three seasons in the Bronx with the New York Yankees, making the All-Star team twice and posting a 2.85 ERA (2.84 FIP), 1.16 WHIP, 204 strikeouts, 65 walks and 74 saves in 189 2/3 innings pitched. He'll be looking for similar success that recent relievers-turned-starters Garrett Crochet and Reynaldo Lopez have had. Holmes threw a career-high 136 1/3 frames in the minors in 2016, so it may be a bit unrealistic for him to get up to 160 after spending much of the last six years as a reliever.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the New York Mets have signed relief pitcher Clay Holmes to a three-year, $38 million contract. Holmes spent his past three seasons serving as a high-leverage option for the New York Yankees. Last season, Holmes began the season as the closer but eventually lost his job towards the back half of the summer after posting a 3.75 ERA and 1.29 in the second half. Earlier in the offseason, there was speculation that potential suitors were viewing Holmes as a possible starting pitcher. Fantasy managers should monitor how the Mets view Holmes during spring training, as he will likely not see any save opportunities with Edwin Diaz on the roster. Despite his drop in production last summer, Holmes generated a strong 5.6% barrel rate, 30.2% whiff rate, and an impressive 64.6% ground-ball rate, which suggests he could be due for some positive regression in Queens.

According to Jayson Stark of The Athletic, relief pitcher Clay Holmes is nearing his free-agent decision. Stark noted that the clubs in talks with Holmes suggest he is nearing a final decision. However, it is still unknown whether Holmes will continue to operate as a reliever or consider moving to the rotation. Earlier this offseason, there was some speculation that teams were considering Holmes as a potential starting pitcher. In addition, Stark noted that several of the teams interested in Holmes are contenders. Last season, the 31-year-old opened the campaign as the Yankees closer but eventually lost his job later in the summer. In the second half, he posted a high 3.75 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. However, he still posted solid metrics under the hood, including a 5.6% barrel rate and a stellar 64.6% ground ball rate. Fantasy managers should monitor where Holmes signs, as he could find fantasy production either as a high-leverage option or as a starter.