On Friday, January 27, 2023, the New York Mets and relief pitcher Clay Holmes agreed to a three-year, $31 million contract extension, with a fourth-year club option for 2026. The deal includes $10 million in guaranteed money for 2023, and if the Mets exercise the option, it would bring the total value of the extension to $43 million.
The extension comes as a surprise to many, as Holmes was not considered a top-tier free agent reliever this offseason. However, the Mets clearly value Holmes’s ability to pitch in high-leverage situations, and they were willing to pay a premium to keep him in New York.
Holmes has been one of the most reliable relievers in baseball over the past two seasons. In 2021, he posted a 1.61 ERA and 1.79 FIP in 56 appearances for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also struck out 79 batters in 55.1 innings pitched.
Holmes was even better in 2022 after being traded to the Mets. He finished the season with a 2.54 ERA and 2.43 FIP in 66 appearances. He also struck out 102 batters in 62.1 innings pitched.
Holmes’s success is due in large part to his excellent sinker. The pitch has a high spin rate and a lot of late movement, making it difficult for hitters to square up. Holmes also has a good changeup and slider that he can use to keep hitters off balance.
The Mets’ bullpen was already one of the best in baseball, and the addition of Holmes makes it even stronger. The Mets now have a deep and talented group of relievers that they can use to get outs in any situation.
In addition to Holmes, the Mets’ bullpen also includes Edwin Diaz, Trevor Williams, Brooks Raley, and Seth Lugo. Diaz is one of the best closers in baseball, and Williams, Raley, and Lugo are all capable of pitching in high-leverage situations.
With such a strong bullpen, the Mets should be able to take some pressure off their starting pitchers. This could lead to more wins and a deeper run in the playoffs.
The extension for Holmes is a significant financial commitment for the Mets. However, it is a deal that they can afford. The Mets have a lot of financial flexibility, and they are willing to spend money on players they believe in.
The extension for Holmes also sets a precedent for other relievers in the league. It shows that teams are willing to pay top dollar for high-quality relievers.
The Mets’ extension of Clay Holmes is a significant move that could have a major impact on the team’s success in 2023 and beyond. Holmes is one of the best relievers in baseball, and his presence in the Mets’ bullpen makes them one of the favorites to win the World Series.