Clay Holmes with a clutch strikeout to keep the @Yankees in the lead #ALCS
Free Agent Profile: Former AL East rival Clay Holmes could be a key cog in the Blue Jays bullpen next season
Photo credit: © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Nov 5, 2024, 21:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 5, 2024, 19:36 EST
Right-hander Clay Holmes has been a dependable reliever for the New York Yankees since arriving in the Bronx in 2021. While Holmes managed to perform well during the playoffs this season, New York faced a bitter defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series and Holmes is slated to hit the open market this offseason.
Holmes still has the quality of a solid relief pitcher, and here’s what his market looks like and how he could potentially fit in with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Clay Holmes’ 2024
As mentioned, the Alabama native was in the circle of trust as a key reliever in the Yankee’s bullpen for years. Holmes posted better metrics in 2022 and 2023 when his earned-run average (ERA) hovered around 2.54 and 2.86, respectively. His walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) were below 1.30 during those two seasons and a majority of his stat lines became a bit more elevated this past year.
His fielding independent pitching (FIP) was also excellent from 2022 and 2024, posting a 2.84 mark through 189 2/3 innings. It saw a bit of an increase this season (3.02) and his WHIP also was more elevated compared to his previous two campaigns as well. The reliever recorded an WHIP of 1.30 in 2024 and his ERA shot up to 3.14 as his performance became more volatile compared to his previous two campaigns. However, all signs point to Holmes still having the potential to become a weapon out of the bullpen and a more consistently trustworthy pitcher down the road.
What these numbers don’t indicate is how dire Holmes’ situation was at the beginning of 2024. By June 13, he had sixth blown saves in 13 opportunities and recorded a 5.19 ERA, which was far from stellar. Perhaps, the most egregious game that indicated his volatility was giving up a grand slam against Texas Rangers’ rookie Wyatt Langford on September 3. If anything, this agonizing blown save showcased the risk that comes with Holmes’ specialty.
Thankfully for the Yankees reliever, Holmes returned to his sharp self during the playoffs – recording a 2.25 ERA and 12 strikeouts to propel the Yankees to the World Series stage. This rebound helped him re-establish his position as a reliable set-up reliever and a closer for New York and gained back some of the trust he lost from the passionate fanbase.
Clay Holmes’ Contract
In 2024, Holmes avoided arbitration with the Yankees and earned $6 million. Moving into free agency, the relief pitcher will be looking to aim in the area of a $10 million AAV this winter.
Jim Bowden at The Athletic predicted Holmes’ projected salary compensation similar to Ryan Pressly (2 years, $30M), Taylor Rogers (3 years, $33M) and Wandy Peralta (2 years, $16.5M). In an offseason that could drive up the reliever market easily once again, Holmes could have a chance to almost double his salary next season as long as at least one team is willing to work with him on his pitch mix and stuff.
Clay Holmes’ fit with the Blue Jays
The former Yankees’ reliever can help bolster the Blue Jays bullpen in 2025 given his experience in high-leverage innings and his efficient sinker/slider mix à la Keith Law’s article with the Athletic. This past season, Toronto experienced rough patches with their bullpen as several pitchers experienced injuries or slumps and experienced a high turnover compared to the stellar 2023 value fans saw. Erik Swanson was barely himself while Jordan Romano spent a good amount of time on the injured list. Not only that but the Blue Jays released Tim Mayza and depended on relievers such as Ryan Burr, Brendon Little, and Tommy Nance to navigate the uncharted territory.
Having someone like Holmes would add some much-needed depth to the bullpen and would give the Blue Jays more options when it comes down to the wire. Last year, Toronto lacked potent arms they could rely on in times of need and no team can have enough relievers. That being said, the Blue Jays already have many right-handed relievers and may be more interested in finding a strong lefty reliever instead to add further balance to their trusted circle. For the right price tag, one would imagine that Ross Atkins will be interested in Holmes this winter.