Clay Holmes seemed to be destined to be one of the top relievers available in free agency.
The former New York Yankees closer had an impressive start to the season, posting a 1.23 ERA and a 1.227 WHIP in his 29.1 innings through June 9, notching 19 saves while striking out 29 batters with eight walks. However, he struggled from that point on, losing the closer role as the Yankees looked to shore up the back of the bullpen. Holmes posted a 4.81 ERA and a 1.366 WHIP in his 33.2 innings, striking out 39 batters with 14 walks. While he did record 11 saves in that time, he also blew 10 saves, making him a risky proposition as the Yankees marched to the postseason.
Holmes is more than his struggles in the second half. A two-time All-Star, he remained one of the Yankees’ most trusted relievers in the playoffs. He is also a proven commodity in the ninth inning, something that teams covet in free agency. The righty is still going to draw plenty of interest on the open market despite his second half struggles for the Yankees.
Where will former Yankees closer end up? Let’s look at three potential landing spots.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles lost All-Star closer Felix Bautista to Tommy John surgery late in 2023, causing him to miss the entire 2024 season. Free agent signing Craig Kimbrel did not pan out, leaving the Orioles to acquire Seranthony Dominguez just before the trade deadline in an attempt to shore up the bullpen.
Bautista should be back for spring training, ready to take back the closer role. Dominguez will also return after the Orioles exercised their option on the reliever. However, Baltimore does not have a secondary option with a proven track record as a closer should Bautista falter. Holmes would provide another solid arm for the bullpen and serve as a fallback option for the closer role if needed.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals took steps toward addressing the bullpen at the trade deadline, adding Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey. Erceg, with five more years of team control, should be a mainstay in the Royals bullpen going forward.Â
While Erceg performed admirably as the Royals’ closer over the final two months, he faltered in the ALDS against the Yankees. Likewise, Erceg does not have an extended track record of major league success as 2024 was his first full season in the majors. The Royals not only need to add pieces to the bullpen, but they also need to address the ninth inning. Holmes would address both areas as the Royals look to return to the postseason.
Boston Red Sox
Theoretically, the Red Sox have their closer in place with Liam Hendriks. He had been one of the best relievers in baseball from 2019 through 2022, a three-time All-Star who posted a 2.26 ERA and a 0.883 WHIP in his 239 innings, notching 114 saves while striking out 359 batters with 47 walks.Â
The question is whether or not Hendriks can be that pitcher going forward. He battled stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to return to the mound in 2023, making just five appearances before he was shut down due to elbow woes. Tommy John surgery sidelined Hendriks for the 2024 season. As the Red Sox are looking to contend in 2025, it would behoove the organization to add another closer to the mix. Holmes has been projected to land with the Red Sox and would be a perfect fit in their bullpen.