Could Clay Holmes Shift from Closer to Starter?
The New York Mets are reportedly considering a bold move in the free agency market: converting Clay Holmes, a proven closer, into a starting pitcher. While Holmes has excelled in the bullpen for years, garnering two All-Star selections and racking up saves for the New York Yankees, this potential transition is sure to raise eyebrows.
A Starting Past
Surprisingly, Holmes hasn’t always been a reliever. In his early days in the minor leagues, he logged an impressive 114 starts. Since transitioning to the majors in 2018, however, his starting experience has been limited, with only a handful of starts that year with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
A Potential Rotation Reinforcer
Considering his past experience on the mound and his recent success as a closer, Holmes’s potential electrifying start to the rebuilding Mets could be a game-changer for the team. The possible shift mirrors other successful conversions in recent years.
Former relievers Seth Lugo (Kansas City Royals), Michael King (San Diego Padres), and Reynaldo López (Atlanta Braves) all garnered Cy Young votes in 2024 after making the jump to rotation roles, demonstrating the viability of this unconventional tactic.
However, not every reliever’s transition to starter has been smooth. Jordan Hicks, for example, initially struggled after joining the San Francisco Giants. Despite early promise, he eventually returned to the bullpen midway through the 2024 season due to performance challenges.
Holmes: Closer or Starter?
Holmes’ future role remains a topic of speculation. While the Mets appear interested in him as a starter, it’s important to remember that he remains a highly sought-after closer. Alongside Jordan Romano, Blake Treinen, Kenley Jansen, and Kirby Yates – all recent prominent closers available in free agency – Holmes is a valuable asset in a coveted position. His experience and track record of success in high-pressure situations make him an attractive option for any team seeking a reliable closer.
Only time will tell what path Holmes takes. He could embrace a new challenge as a starting pitcher and add another dimension to his already impressive resume, or he could continue to excel as one of baseball’s most dominant closers.
What is Clay Holmes’ history as a starter, and how might it inform his potential success in this new role?
## Could Clay Holmes Shift from Closer to Starter?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about a surprising rumor swirling around free agent pitcher Clay Holmes. Joining us to discuss this potential move is baseball analyst, Jim Johnson. Jim, thanks for being here.
**Jim Johnson:** My pleasure. Always happy to talk baseball.
**Host:** Let’s get right to it. The New York Mets are reportedly interested in signing Holmes, but with a twist. They’re thinking of using him as a starter, despite his success as a closer for the Yankees. What are your thoughts on this?
**Jim Johnson:** This is definitely an intriguing move. Holmes has proven himself to be a dominant closer in the majors, even earning two All-Star selections [[1](https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/surprising-yankees-reliever-drawing-interest-starter-free-agency-report-1994491)]. However, it’s fascinating to see the Mets potentially tap into his past experience as a starter. [[1](https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/surprising-yankees-reliever-drawing-interest-starter-free-agency-report-1994491)] mentions he had 114 starts in the minors. That’s a lot of experience building stamina and working through lineups.
**Host:** But wouldn’t transitioning from a high-pressure closing role to the longer grind of starting be a difficult adjustment?
**Jim Johnson:** You’re right, it’s not an easy transition. Starters need to pace themselves, manage their pitch counts, and think strategically over multiple innings. But Holmes’ minor league record shows he has the potential. Plus, with his proven ability to deliver in clutch situations, he could bring that same tenacity to the starter’s mound.
**Host:** So, do you think this could be a gamble that pays off for the Mets?
**Jim Johnson:** It’s certainly a risk, but one with potentially high rewards. If Holmes can successfully make the transition, the Mets could have a real gem on their hands. It’ll be interesting to see how it unfolds.
**Host:** Jim Johnson, thanks for breaking down this fascinating scenario for us. We’ll be watching this story closely.
