History of Clay Holmes in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 28, 2025

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. His career has been marked by his role as a relief pitcher, contributing to team performances in high-pressure situations.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 27, 1993: Clay Holmes Born

On March 27, 1993, Clayton Walter Holmes, who would become a professional baseball pitcher, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1999: Mariano Rivera's Record

In 1999, Mariano Rivera set a franchise record for consecutive scoreless appearances for the Yankees, which Clay Holmes later broke in 2022.

2011: Signed with Pirates

In 2011, Clay Holmes signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being drafted in the ninth round of the Major League Baseball draft, receiving a $1.2 million signing bonus and forgoing his commitment to Auburn.

2012: Professional Debut

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

2013: Played with 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 starts).

2014: Tommy John Surgery

In 2014, Clay Holmes underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire season.

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. He pitched six starts for Bradenton, striking out 16 batters in 23 innings with a 2.74 ERA.

2016: Added to 40-Man Roster

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

2016: Played with Altoona Curve

In 2016, Clay 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, Clay Holmes pitched for the Indianapolis Indians, achieving a 10–5 record with a 3.36 ERA in 25 games (24 starts).

2018: MLB Promotion and Debut

Clay Holmes began 2018 with the Indianapolis Indians. He was promoted to the major leagues by Pittsburgh on April 1 but did not play. He 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. He was optioned back to Indianapolis on April 13.

2018: MLB Debut with the 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 Play 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. He was then placed on the injured list on July 28 due to a right forearm strain and missed the remainder of the season. The Pirates non-tendered Holmes on December 2, but he 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 pitched in 44 appearances for the Pirates, achieving a 4.93 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 42 innings.

July 26, 2021: Traded to Yankees

On July 26, 2021, Clay Holmes was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the New York Yankees in exchange for Diego Castillo and Hoy Park. He made his Yankee debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. Overall he finished the season with an ERA of 3.60.

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 Yankees Closer

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

2022: MLB All-Star

In 2022, Clay Holmes became the Yankees' closer and 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 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: 2024 Season and All-Star Selection

In the 2024 season, Clay Holmes was named an All-Star for the second time, but struggled midseason and was removed from the closer role. He ended the season with a 3.14 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 68 strikeouts, 30 saves, and an MLB-high 13 blown saves.