In a surprising twist, Clay Holmes, the New York Yankees’ dominant closer and one of MLB’s most reliable bullpen arms, is drawing interest as a potential starting pitcher in free agency. The 32-year-old right-hander, who hasn’t started a game since 2018, is reportedly open to the idea of transitioning to the starting rotation, according to league insiders.
A Proven Closer with Starter Potential
Holmes, who led the Yankees in saves last season with 30 and posted an impressive 3.14 ERA across 67 relief appearances, has been a staple of New York’s bullpen since being acquired in a 2021 trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Over the past three seasons, his 74 saves rank 11th in MLB, showcasing his reliability in high-pressure situations.
However, as MLB teams increasingly adopt closer-by-committee strategies, the demand for traditional closers has declined. Starting pitchers, in contrast, continue to command higher-value contracts in free agency, making Holmes’ potential transition an intriguing proposition for teams seeking rotation depth.
The Market for Career Relievers Turned Starters
Holmes’ interest as a starter comes amid a broader trend in MLB. Several relievers, including Garrett Crochet (White Sox) and Reynaldo López (Braves), successfully transitioned to starting roles in 2024, with both earning All-Star nods. Others, like Michael King of the Padres, have adopted a gradual approach, showing promising results. Holmes, who rose through the Pirates’ farm system as a starter, could follow a similar path.
As a rookie in 2018, Holmes struggled in a starting role, posting a 6.84 ERA in four starts with Pittsburgh. Yet, his resurgence as a Yankee—a 2.69 ERA and 74 saves since joining New York—demonstrates his potential to adapt and thrive in new roles.
A High-Risk, High-Reward Opportunity
While the shift from bullpen to rotation is not without risks, the potential payoff for Holmes and his suitors is significant. Teams looking for value in a competitive free-agent market might see Holmes as a cost-effective option with untapped upside. For Holmes, the chance to prove himself as a starter could mean a lucrative contract and a new chapter in an already impressive career.
What’s Next for Holmes?
As free agency unfolds, the decision to pursue a starting role will be pivotal for Holmes. Whether he remains a dominant closer or transitions to a starter, his track record of resilience and adaptability makes him one of the most intriguing players to watch this offseason.