Free agent Clay Holmes is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams, including the Mets, but not for his typical late relief role.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, “a few teams” are “inquiring” about Holmes as a potential starting pitcher, a role he has not had since his rookie year in 2018.
Holmes made four starts in 2018 and finished the year with a 6.84 ERA in 26.1 innings of work, allowing 30 hits while striking out 21 in that span. He has been a reliever ever since, becoming a two-time All-Star with the Yankees before being demoted from the closer role during last season, when he was leading the league in blown saves.
Holmes came back and was a reliable arm for the Yanks in the playoffs, and has a track record of production dating back to when the Yanks acquired him in 2021, but he has not thrown more than two innings in an appearance since August of 2019.
As Sherman notes, teams have become more interested in converting relievers back into starters in the wake of Seth Lugo’s stellar season with the Royals, and former Yankee Michael King excelling with the Padres as a starter after being included in the trade for Juan Soto.
Would Holmes be another success story as a rejuvenated starter? His sinker/slider combo has made him a force in the bullpen, but he hasn’t thrown a curveball since 2021, per Statcast, and would need to add another pitch to be starter material. Clearly, some teams believe Holmes has that ability.