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, Holmes played for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees. His career has been marked by his role as a relief pitcher, contributing to the bullpen of each team he has been a part of.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Drafted by the Pirates

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

2012: Professional Debut

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

2013: Played with West Virginia Power

In 2013, Holmes played with the West Virginia Power, achieving a 5–6 record with a 4.08 ERA in 26 games (25 starts).

2015: Return from Surgery

In 2015, 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 had a 2.74 ERA in six starts.

2016: Added to 40-man Roster

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

2016: Played with Altoona Curve

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

2017: Pitched for Indianapolis Indians

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

2018: MLB Debut with the Pirates

Clay Holmes made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018.

2018: MLB Promotion and Debut

Holmes was promoted to the major leagues by Pittsburgh on April 1, 2018, for a doubleheader but did not play. He was recalled on April 2 and made his debut on April 6 against the Cincinnati Reds.

2019: Pitched for Pittsburgh

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

2020: Limited Play and Injury

In 2020, Holmes only appeared in one game for the Pirates, pitching 1+1⁄3 scoreless innings 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 on a minor league contract on December 4.

April 1, 2021: Selected to the 40-man Roster

On April 1, 2021, Holmes was selected to the 40-man roster. He had a 4.93 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 42 innings over 44 appearances for the Pirates.

July 26, 2021: Traded to the Yankees

On July 26, 2021, Holmes was traded from 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, Holmes was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the New York Yankees.

May 2022: Became Yankees' Closer

In May 2022, Holmes became the Yankees' closer when Aroldis Chapman went on the injured list.

2022: MLB All-Star

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

2023: Finished 2023 Season

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

2024: Signed with the Mets

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

2024: 2024 Season Performance

During the 2024 season, Holmes earned his second All-Star selection but faced challenges midseason, losing his closer role after a walk-off grand slam on September 3 against the Texas Rangers. He concluded the season with a 3.14 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 68 strikeouts, 30 saves, and an MLB-high 13 blown saves.