The New York Yankees appear ready to let Clay Holmes walk in free agency this winter, following their decision to hand the closer role to right-hander Luke Weaver. While the move was the right call, Holmes still remains a capable arm and could potentially bounce back with a new team.
Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report predicts that Holmes, who was named an All-Star for the second time in three years in 2024, will likely depart the Yankees on a two-year, $24 million contract.
Holmes posted a solid 2.77 ERA in 40 games during the first half of the season but struggled after the All-Star break, recording a 3.75 ERA in 27 appearances. Kelly notes that Holmes’ control issues down the stretch have raised concerns, and while he may not return to the Yankees, his track record will still draw interest from other contenders, likely ensuring a multi-year deal.
Reasons for Holmes’ Departure
Despite his All-Star season, Holmes has been a consistent source of concern for the Yankees. Though his stuff has been regarded as above average, the team might be looking to move on given his struggles and the financial commitment it would take to keep him—around $12 million annually.
Holmes’ lack of strikeouts is particularly worrisome for the Yankees, who have struggled defensively in recent years, especially in the infield. As pointed out by Phillip Martinez of SNY, Holmes’ inability to generate strikeouts, with just 68 in 63 innings pitched in 2024, makes him a risky asset in a bullpen that already faces defensive challenges. Holmes’ reliance on ground balls, combined with the Yankees’ porous defense, often led to disastrous results, as evidenced by his 13 blown saves in 2024.
Holmes’ Declining Strikeout Rate and Future Outlook
As Holmes enters his age-32 season, his strikeout rate is likely to continue its decline, making it even less likely that he’ll be able to command closer money moving forward. Martinez suggests that if Holmes is looking for a closer’s role at a high salary, the Yankees should look for alternatives, especially with Luke Weaver set to return as the closer in 2025.
Given that the Yankees are well-versed in constructing effective bullpens, they may choose to move in a different direction rather than risk another season with Holmes at a high price.
Should the Yankees Re-Sign Holmes?
Without Weaver stepping up as a reliable closer late in the season, the Yankees’ decision on Holmes would have been more complicated. However, with Weaver finishing the year with a strong 2.89 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 84 innings, the team feels confident in his ability to handle the closer role moving forward.
While Holmes could still have value on a smaller deal, such as a one- or two-year contract worth $8 million annually, it appears that the Yankees are not expected to bring him back at that price.
Ultimately, if Holmes signs elsewhere, it wouldn’t be surprising if he found success, but his tenure with the Yankees appears to be over. With Weaver now in the closer role and other potential suitors for Holmes, the Yankees are likely ready to part ways and explore new options for their bullpen in 2025.
