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 both the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees. As a pitcher in Major League Baseball, he has established himself as a prominent figure, showcasing his talent and contributing to the sport at the highest level. His career reflects a journey through different teams, now landing with the Mets.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Drafted by the Pirates

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

2012: Professional Debut

In 2012, Clay Holmes made his professional debut with the State College Spikes, spending the whole season there. He went 5–3 with a 2.28 ERA in 13 starts.

2013: Played with West Virginia Power

In 2013, Clay Holmes played with the West Virginia Power, where he was 5–6 with a 4.08 ERA in 26 games (25 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. In six starts for Bradenton, he struck out 16 batters in 23 innings and compiled a 2.74 ERA.

2016: Added to Pirates 40-man Roster

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

2016: Played with Altoona Curve

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

2017: Pitched for Indianapolis Indians

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

2018: MLB Debut with the Pirates

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

2018: MLB Debut

In 2018, Clay Holmes was promoted to the major leagues by the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 1 and made his major league debut on April 6 against the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched two innings, giving up one run on two hits while striking out two.

2019: Pitched for Pittsburgh

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

2020: Injured List and Re-signing

In 2020, Clay Holmes only appeared in one game for the Pirates before being placed on the injured list on July 28 due to a right forearm strain, missing the remainder of the season. On December 2, Holmes was non-tendered by the Pirates 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 Pirates' 40-man roster. In 44 appearances for the Pirates, he pitched to a 4.93 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 42 innings.

July 26, 2021: Traded to the Yankees

On July 26, 2021, Clay Holmes was traded by the 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 the Yankees

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

May 2022: Became Team's Closer

In May 2022, Clay Holmes became the Yankees' closer when 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: Finished 2023 Season

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

December 9, 2024: Signed with the 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. Plans were announced to convert him into a starting pitcher.

2024: Signed with the Mets

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

2024: All-Star and Closer Role Loss

In 2024, Clay Holmes was named an All-Star for the second time. Later in the season, he struggled and was removed from the closer role after giving up a walk-off grand slam to the Texas Rangers on September 3. Holmes ended the season with 30 saves and an MLB-high 13 blown saves.

2025: Opening Day Starter

After injuries to other pitchers, Clay Holmes was named the Mets' Opening Day starter for the 2025 season, following his signing with the team on December 9, 2024.