Clay Holmes Free Agency: Five Landing Spots For The Starter

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesClay Holmes is back on the market, and the deal looks different this time. The former Yankees closer has successfully turned himself into a starting pitcher. After throwing 101 1/3 innings for the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets, he turned down his $12 million player option for 2027. A fractured right fibula stopped his season in May, but he returned in August to make nine starts for Chicago, according to Just Baseball. Beyond the top-tier names on the market, franchises now view him as a reliable rotation choice.His numbers show a pitcher who limits damage rather than striking out everyone. Holmes posted a 3.29 ERA last season with a 3.63 FIP and a 1.19 WHIP. He gave up only six home runs in 101 1/3 innings. The 33-year-old relies on a sinker that accounts for nearly half his pitches. Just Baseball states that he induced groundballs on 60.8% of batted balls during the previous season. This skill set helps him limit hard contact even when his 18.6% strikeout rate stays low.The Mets Return to the FoldJust Baseball predicts Holmes will sign a three-year, $54 million deal with the New York Mets. That works out to an $18 million annual average value. Prior to 2025, he inked a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets following years spent mostly in relief. New York gave him the chance to start again, a role he had not held regularly since his minor league days. He answered with 165 2/3 innings, a career high, alongside a 3.53 ERA in 31 starts. The Mets know his stuff, and they know he can handle the innings.Other clubs might offer more money, but the fit is clear. Relying on his sinker to prevent batters from lifting the ball, Holmes extended his success into 2026. His changeup held opponents to a .186 average, while his sweeper allowed just a .154 batting average. Whether teams value his output against his injury record and age will determine his next contract. The Mets are the logical place for him to land again.Why the Projection Makes SenseJust Baseball projects a contract length of two to four years with an expected annual average value between $16 million and $22 million. Holmes is 34 in 2027, so teams will be cautious about the long term. His 10.0% walk rate also means the defense behind him is crucial for his success. He needs fielders to turn groundballs into outs since he does not miss many bats. A team with a strong infield defense would be the perfect partner for his style.The injury is the main worry. On May 15, Spencer Jones hit a 111.1 mph comebacker that broke Holmes’s right fibula. The ailment removed him from action for almost three months and brought his time in Queens to a close. When the deadline arrived, the Cubs acquired Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from New York. Despite the setback, his ability to induce groundballs remains his greatest asset. Teams need to decide if the risk is worth the reward of a reliable innings eater.Several teams need rotation help, and Just Baseball notes Holmes provides an option cheaper than the priciest starters. Before the injury occurred, the right-hander posted a 2.39 ERA over nine starts to begin 2026. His body of work proves he can handle a starter’s workload when healthy. The New York Mets remain the top predicted landing spot for the free agent.