With the July 31 trade deadline less than a week away, the New York Mets are actively seeking to reinforce their bullpen by adding reliable relief pitchers. Despite this urgent need, the team has no plans to trade Clay Holmes or move him out of his current role. Holmes, a former All-Star reliever who transitioned from starting pitching, has been pitching a career-high of 108.2 innings this season and is performing effectively as part of the rotation.
Team’s Stance on Holmes’ Role and Health Management
According to reports from SNY baseball insider Andy Martino, the Mets do not believe it is necessary to shift Holmes back to the bullpen for health reasons. Sources within the organization emphasize that Holmes is not only maintaining his pitching effectiveness but also recovering well despite the workload. This suggests the Mets’ current strategy prioritizes keeping Holmes in his starting role to optimize his long-term productivity.
The Mets do not feel that a return to the bullpen for Holmes is necessary for him to remain healthy and productive. Holmes is not only pitching effectively, but recovering well, sources say,
—Andy Martino, SNY baseball insider
Possibility of Role Adjustment Near Trade Deadline
While the Mets’ immediate plan does not include altering Holmes’ role, they remain open to making changes depending on the moves they make at the trade deadline. Should the team acquire additional starting pitchers, Holmes could potentially be asked to return to a relief role to accommodate the refreshed rotation. However, this scenario is considered secondary rather than the preferred course of action.
Having said that, it is not out of the question that the Mets could ultimately consider asking Holmes to serve as a reliever again down the stretch and adding to their rotation at the trade deadline,
But such a move is not necessary to preserve Holmes’ health, nor is it Plan A.
—Andy Martino, SNY baseball insider
Outlook on Mets’ Bullpen Reinforcements
The Mets are expected to pursue several bullpen acquisitions before the deadline to address their urgent need for high-leverage relief arms. By supplementing their relief staff with new talent, the team aims to stabilize late-inning pitching without disrupting Holmes’ current contributions. This approach reflects the Mets’ careful consideration of balancing immediate bullpen needs with maintaining the health and effectiveness of their key pitchers as the season progresses.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Clay Holmes still a closer?
A. He started playing in Major League Baseball with the Pirates in 2018. In 2021, the Yankees acquired him through a trade.
Holmes became the Yankees’ main closing pitcher and earned MLB All-Star titles in 2022 and 2024. After the 2024 season, when he became a free agent, he joined the Mets to switch to a starting pitcher role.
Q. Is Clay Holmes a closer?
A. Holmes was appointed as the Yankees’ closing pitcher and earned MLB All-Star spots in both 2022 and 2024.
Q. What’s Clay Holmes’ salary?
A. Up until now, the Mets signed Frankie Montas for two years at $34 million and brought in Holmes on a three-year deal worth $38 million.