The New York Yankees might be regretting their decision to let Clay Holmes walk, as the former closer has been thriving in his new role with the New York Mets.
Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets and has transitioned from reliever to starter. While the Yankees have a strong bullpen and starting rotation, Holmes’ early success with the Mets is a reminder of what they may have lost.
This blog post delves into the details of Holmes’ performance, the Yankees’ decision-making, and the broader implications for both teams.
Clay Holmes: From Closer to Starter
Clay Holmes’ transition from a reliever to a starter has been a bold experiment that appears to be working out well for the Mets.
In spring training, Holmes has shown signs of significant improvement, racking up five strikeouts in six innings without allowing an earned run.
His signature sweeper and slider, which made him a dominant closer for the Yankees, remain effective, but it’s his new approach that is catching everyone’s attention.
Holmes’ New Arsenal
One of the most notable changes in Holmes’ pitching is the introduction of a changeup to his arsenal. This new pitch gives him another tool to keep hitters off balance.
Additionally, his sinker, already a potent weapon, is even more effective as he mixes in more offspeed pitches. By adjusting his sequencing and leaning on a more complete repertoire, Holmes is looking like a legitimate rotation piece for the Mets.
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The Yankees’ Decision
The Yankees didn’t let Holmes walk without a plan. They brought in Devin Williams to take over closing duties, and with a rotation that already ranks among the league’s best, they likely didn’t feel the need to experiment with Holmes as a starter.
However, seeing Holmes thrive in a new role might sting, especially considering the Yankees’ history of watching pitchers flourish after leaving the Bronx, from Nathan Eovaldi to Sonny Gray.
Devin Williams: The New Closer
Devin Williams has been brought in to fill the void left by Holmes in the Yankees’ bullpen. Williams is a talented closer with a proven track record, and the Yankees are confident in his ability to handle late-inning duties.
However, the decision to let Holmes go may still be questioned if he continues to excel as a starter for the Mets.
Holmes’ Perspective
Holmes himself seems to believe that the transition to a starter is the right move.
*I feel like I was in a great spot to keep pitching,* Holmes said. *Even after I finished there, I feel a lot better than I did last time when I finished in the bullpen. I can see that I continue to adjust to the workload. I really feel like things are trending in the right direction.*
Adjusting to the Workload
Holmes’ ability to adjust to the increased workload of a starting pitcher is a key factor in his early success.
He has shown that he can handle the demands of pitching multiple innings and maintaining his effectiveness throughout a game. This adaptability could make him a valuable asset for the Mets moving forward.
Implications for the Yankees and Mets
If Holmes continues to thrive as a starter, it will be hard for the Yankees to ignore the fact that they might have let another talented pitcher slip through their fingers.
The decision to let Holmes go could be seen as a missed opportunity, especially if he becomes a key contributor for the Mets. On the other hand, the Yankees’ rotation and bullpen are still in great shape, and they may not feel the impact of Holmes’ departure as much as it might seem.
Yankees’ Rotation and Bullpen
The Yankees’ rotation is among the league’s best, with a strong group of starters that includes Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino, and Jameson Taillon.
Their bullpen, anchored by Devin Williams, remains a formidable force. The team has the depth and talent to compete at a high level, even without Holmes.
Mets’ New Addition
For the Mets, Holmes’ early success as a starter is a promising development. If he can continue to perform at a high level, he will be a valuable addition to their rotation.
The Mets have invested in Holmes with the hope that he can make a successful transition, and so far, the results are encouraging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to let Clay Holmes walk is one that the Yankees might come to regret, especially if he continues to thrive as a starter for the Mets.
While the Yankees have a strong rotation and bullpen, the early success of Holmes in his new role is a reminder of what they may have lost.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Holmes’ performance impacts both teams and whether the Yankees’ decision will be vindicated or questioned.
For more details on this story, you can read the full article on Empire Sports Media.
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