The New York Yankees and All-Star closer Clay Holmes are poised to part ways this offseason. The Yankees were dissatisfied with Holmes’ season-ending performance and will aim to improve their bullpen in free agency. Holmes was bombarded with fire and criticism after faltering down the stretch. After such a dismal season, he’s unlikely to want to be welcomed back.
With Holmes entering free agency, he may sign with whoever he wants. But Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly expects he’ll stay in the American League East, signing a two-year, $24 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
“Still, there will be plenty of contenders interested in Holmes, likely enough that he’ll be able to get a multi-year deal if that’s what he wants,” according to Kelly. “He would be a nice addition to the Orioles as a setup man for closer Félix Bautista, who will return after missing the entire 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.” Holmes would make an excellent addition to the Orioles bullpen. He would take on a considerably smaller job in a much smaller market, with far less pressure on him than he did as the Yankees’ closer.
If he could work out his control issues, he would be one of baseball’s top setup men. Assuming Felix Bautista recovers from elbow surgery like the pitcher he was before, Baltimore would have one of the best one-two punches in the back end of games. And it could come back to haunt the Yankees down the road.
