The New York Yankees might be on the verge of parting ways with one of their standout pitchers next offseason.
In recent years, the Yankees have boasted one of baseball’s premier bullpens, with closer Clay Holmes playing a pivotal role in their success. Despite not being the most renowned name in the league, Holmes has risen to prominence since joining the Yankees.
However, talks of a contract extension with Holmes have yet to surface, raising speculation about his future with the team, as reported by The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty.
“Then the conversation turned to his future,” Kuty revealed. “Holmes, typically reserved, sounded less enthused. No, the Yankees hadn’t approached him this offseason about a possible contract with free agency looming in the winter. He’s trying his best not to think about it, though, he said he can’t ‘totally ignore’ that it’s coming.
“I’ve got a lot of good relationships here with coaches and players, and I’m just enjoying that and enjoying where I’m at right now,” Holmes expressed. “When the day comes that I’m no longer a Yankee, we’ll think about where that goes. But this is where I’m at, and I’m going to try to help us win as many games as I can.”
Holmes kickstarted his Major League career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018, spending the initial three-plus seasons with the team before a trade landed him in New York in 2021. His standout performance in 2022 earned him his first All-Star selection, amassing 20 saves and boasting a 2.54 ERA across 62 appearances. Holmes continued to excel in 2023, recording 24 saves and maintaining a 2.86 ERA in 66 total outings.
As Holmes gears up for free agency at the end of the season, he finds himself amidst a career-best campaign. The right-handed pitcher has showcased remarkable form, featuring in 12 games thus far without conceding a single run and leading the league with nine saves. His control has been impeccable, having issued just one walk while striking out 10 batters.
While Holmes has undoubtedly been a valuable asset for the Yankees, indications suggest that he may explore options beyond the club’s confines come the end of the season.