The New York Yankees and All-Star closer Clay Holmes are expected to part ways this offseason. The Yankees were dissatisfied with Holmes’s performance at the end of the season and are looking to enhance their bullpen through free agency. Holmes faced significant criticism due to his struggles during that period and may not want to return after such a disappointing season.
Now that he is entering free agency, he can choose where to sign, and Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicts he will stay in the American League East, potentially signing a two-year, $ 24 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Kelly notes that there are likely many contenders interested in Holmes, which could lead him to secure a multi-year deal if that’s his preference.
Joining the Orioles as a setup man for closer Félix Bautista, who is returning after missing all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, would be a great opportunity for Holmes. This role would come with lower pressure in a smaller market compared to his time with the Yankees. If he can resolve his control issues, he could become one of the top setup men in baseball. Assuming Bautista comes back strong from his surgery, the Orioles could form a formidable one-two punch at the end of games, which might prove to be a difficult challenge for the Yankees in the future.
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