The New York Yankees and All-Star closer Clay Holmes are likely to mutually part ways this offseason.
The Yankees weren’t happy with the way Holmes finished the season and they’ll look to upgrade their bullpen in free agency.
Holmes was crushed with a ton of heat and criticism after struggling down the stretch. It’s likely that he wouldn’t want to be brought back after such a disappointing season.
With Holmes entering free agency, he’s free to sign wherever he wants. But Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicts him to stay within the American League East, signing a two-year, $24 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
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“Still, there will be plenty of contenders interested in Holmes, likely enough that he’ll be able to get a multi-year deal if that’s what he wants,” Kelly wrote. “He would be a nice addition to the Orioles as a setup man for closer Félix Bautista, who will return after missing the entire 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.”
Holmes would be a great addition to the Orioles bullpen. He would take a much smaller role in a much smaller market with a lot less pressure on him than what he had as the closer of the Yankees.
If he could figure his control woes out, he would be one of the best setup men in baseball. Assuming Felix Bautista returns from elbow surgery like the pitcher he was before, this would give Baltimore one of the best one-two punches at the backend of games.
And it could really come back to haunt the Yankees down the line.
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