The New York Yankees will have to make a tough decision about the future of one of the club's All-Star pitchers.
New York had the best bullpen in baseball last season with a 3.34 ERA. All-Star closer Clay Holmes was one of the biggest reasons for the bullpen's success.
Holmes had a 2.86 ERA and a 71-to-23 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 63 innings pitched. The righty also racked up 24 saves. Holmes earned his lone All-Star nod as a member of the Yankees in 2022.
The 30-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024 season and at this point hasn't discussed a contract extension with the club, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.
"Clay Holmes is entering his walk season and, to date, he says the Yankees have not initiated conversations about an extension," Sherman said. "And I understand the Yankees’ position.
"After all, when they traded for Holmes he had a 5.57 ERA as a (Pittsburgh Pirate) and that among what this organization does best is identify distressed relief pitchers with skills they like and maximize those skills. And if they did it with Holmes, they will keep doing it and find his inexpensive closer successor."
New York acquired Holmes in a trade with the Pirates in 2021. It's unclear if he will remain with the Yankees for the foreseeable future, but a deal could make sense. Holmes has taken a massive step forward with the Yankees and if he can have another strong season, don't be surprised to see a deal get done next offseason.
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