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 a 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. He is an American citizen.

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, where he spent the whole season, going 5–3 with a 2.28 ERA in 13 starts.

2013: Played for West Virginia Power

In 2013, Holmes played with the West Virginia Power, recording 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. He struck out 16 batters in 23 innings with a 2.74 ERA in six starts for Bradenton.

2016: Added to 40-man Roster

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

2016: Played for Altoona Curve

In 2016, Holmes played for the Altoona Curve, compiling 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, recording a 10–5 record with a 3.36 ERA in 25 games (24 starts).

2018: Major League Promotion

Clay Holmes began 2018 with the Indianapolis Indians. He was promoted to the major leagues by Pittsburgh on April 1st as the 26th man for their doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers, but he did not make an appearance and was optioned back to Indianapolis before being recalled on April 2nd. He made his major league debut on April 6th against the Cincinnati Reds.

2018: MLB Debut with Pirates

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

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: Limited Appearances and Injury

In 2020, Clay Holmes only appeared in one game for the Pirates, pitching 1+1⁄3 scoreless innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in the season opener before being placed on the injured list on July 28 due to a right forearm strain and missing the remainder of the season. He was non-tendered by the Pirates on December 2, then re-signed with the Pirates 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 40-man roster. He pitched to a 4.93 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 42 innings in 44 appearances for the Pirates.

July 26, 2021: Traded to Yankees

On July 26, 2021, Clay Holmes was traded by the Pirates to the New York Yankees in exchange for Diego Castillo and Hoy Park. He made his Yankee debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. Holmes posted a 1.61 ERA, 34 strikeouts and 0.79 WHIP in 28 innings with his new team. He was named American League Reliever of the Month in May.

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 Closer

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

2022: All-Star Selection

In 2022, Clay Holmes was named 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 New York 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: All-Star and Season Performance

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

2024: Signed with Mets

Following the 2024 season, Clay Holmes became a free agent and subsequently signed with the New York Mets to become a starting pitcher. He was also an MLB All-Star in 2024.