Clayton Walter Holmes is an American professional baseball pitcher currently a free agent. He has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB).
March 27, 1993: Birth of Clay Holmes
Clay Holmes was born on March 27, 1993.
1999: Mariano Rivera's Record
In 1999, Mariano Rivera set the previous Yankees franchise record for consecutive scoreless appearances, which Clay Holmes broke in 2022.
2011: Signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Clay Holmes signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011, receiving a $1.2 million signing bonus. He also chose to forgo his commitment to Auburn University.
2011: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates
In 2011, Clay Holmes was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth round of the MLB draft.
2012: Professional Debut
Clay Holmes made his professional debut in 2012 with the State College Spikes.
2013: Played for West Virginia Power
In 2013, Clay Holmes played for the West Virginia Power.
2014: Tommy John Surgery
Clay Holmes underwent Tommy John surgery in 2014 and missed the entire season.
2015: Rehab and Return
Clay Holmes returned from Tommy John surgery in 2015, making rehab starts with the Gulf Coast League Pirates and then playing for the Bradenton Marauders.
2016: Added to Pirates 40-man Roster
Following the 2016 season, Clay Holmes was added to the Pirates' 40-man roster.
2016: Played for Altoona Curve
In 2016, Clay Holmes played for the Altoona Curve.
2017: Played for Indianapolis Indians
Clay Holmes played for the Indianapolis Indians in 2017.
2018: MLB Debut
Clay Holmes made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018.
2018: Brief Call-up to Pittsburgh
In 2018, Clay Holmes was briefly called up to Pittsburgh as the 26th man for a doubleheader. He made his major league debut on April 6 against the Cincinnati Reds.
2019: Pitched for Pittsburgh
Clay Holmes pitched for Pittsburgh in 2019, registering a 5.58 ERA.
2020: Injury and Non-tender
In 2020, Clay Holmes appeared in only one game for the Pirates due to a right forearm strain. He was subsequently non-tendered but re-signed on a minor league contract.
April 1, 2021: Selected to 40-man Roster
On April 1, 2021, Clay Holmes was selected to the 40-man roster.
July 26, 2021: Traded to the New York Yankees
On July 26, 2021, Clay Holmes was traded to the New York Yankees. He made his Yankee debut against the Tampa Bay Rays.
2021: Traded to the New York Yankees
During the 2021 season, Clay Holmes was traded to the New York Yankees.
May 2022: Yankees Closer and All-Star Selection
In May 2022, Clay Holmes became the Yankees' closer. He set a franchise record for consecutive scoreless appearances and was selected to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game.
2022: First All-Star Selection
Clay Holmes was selected as an MLB All-Star for the first time in 2022.
2023: 2023 Season Performance
Clay Holmes finished the 2023 season with a 2.66 ERA and 24 saves in 27 chances.
2024: Second All-Star Selection
Clay Holmes was selected as an MLB All-Star for the second time in 2024.
2024: All-Star Selection and Struggles
In 2024, Clay Holmes was named an All-Star for the second time but struggled mid-season and was removed from the closer role. He led the MLB in blown saves.