Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Clay Holmes

Discover the career path of Clay Holmes, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Clay Holmes is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the New York Mets in MLB. Prior to joining the Mets, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees. Holmes is known for his role as a pitcher in professional baseball.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Drafted by Pirates

In 2011, Clay Holmes was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth round of the MLB draft.

2011: Signed with the Pirates

In 2011, after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clay Holmes signed with the team and received a $1.2 million signing bonus, which led to him forgoing his commitment to Auburn.

2012: Professional Debut

In 2012, Clay Holmes made his professional debut with the State College Spikes, spending the entire season there and achieving a 5–3 record with a 2.28 ERA in 13 starts.

2013: West Virginia Power

In 2013, Clay Holmes played with the West Virginia Power, recording a 5–6 record with a 4.08 ERA in 26 games, 25 of which were starts.

2015: Return from Surgery

In 2015, Clay Holmes returned from Tommy John surgery, making three rehab starts with the Gulf Coast League Pirates before being assigned to the Bradenton Marauders, where he struck out 16 batters in 23 innings with a 2.74 ERA in six starts.

2016: Added to 40-man Roster

After the 2016 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates added Clay Holmes to their 40-man roster.

2016: Altoona Curve

In 2016, Clay Holmes played with the Altoona Curve, achieving a 10–9 record with a 4.22 ERA in 26 starts.

2017: Indianapolis Indians

In 2017, Clay Holmes pitched for the Indianapolis Indians, where he had a 10–5 record with a 3.36 ERA in 25 games (24 starts).

2018: MLB Debut with Pirates

In 2018, Clay Holmes made his Major League Baseball debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2018: MLB Promotion and Debut

In 2018, Clay Holmes was promoted to the major leagues by the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 1 but did not appear in a game. He was recalled on April 2 and made his major league debut on April 6 against the Cincinnati Reds, pitching two innings and allowing one run on two hits with two strikeouts.

2019: Pittsburgh Season

In 2019, Clay Holmes pitched for Pittsburgh, registering a 5.58 ERA with 10.1 K/9 in 50 innings out of the bullpen.

2020: Injury and Contract Changes

In 2020, Clay Holmes only appeared in one game for the Pirates, pitching 1+1⁄3 scoreless innings against the St. Louis Cardinals before being placed on the injured list on July 28 due to a right forearm strain. He was non-tendered by the Pirates on December 2 but re-signed with them on a minor league contract on December 4.

April 1, 2021: Selected to 40-man Roster

On April 1, 2021, Clay Holmes was selected to the Pittsburgh Pirates' 40-man roster. He went on to make 44 appearances for the Pirates, pitching to a 4.93 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 42 innings.

July 26, 2021: Traded to Yankees

On July 26, 2021, Clay Holmes was traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the New York Yankees for Diego Castillo and Hoy Park. He later made his Yankee debut against the Tampa Bay Rays.

2021: Traded to Yankees

During the 2021 season, Clay Holmes was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the New York Yankees.

May 2022: Yankees Closer

In May 2022, Clay Holmes became the New York Yankees' closer after Aroldis Chapman went on the injured list.

2022: All-Star Selection

In 2022, Clay Holmes became the Yankees' closer and was selected as an MLB All-Star.

2023: 2023 Season Performance

Clay Holmes finished the 2023 season with a 2.66 ERA and 24 saves in 27 chances.

December 9, 2024: Signed with Mets

On December 9, 2024, Clay Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the New York Mets, including an opt-out after the 2026 season.

2024: Signed with Mets

After becoming a free agent following the 2024 season, Clay Holmes signed with the New York Mets to become a starting pitcher.

2024: 2024 Season

During the 2024 season, Clay Holmes was named an All-Star for the second time. He ended the season with a 3.14 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 68 strikeouts, 30 saves and an MLB-high 13 blown saves.