The New York Mets signed right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes last offseason to a three-year contract. Despite becoming a two-time All-Star closer with the crosstown rival New York Yankees and only making four starts in 311 total appearances, the Mets brought him in as a starter. However, you don’t need Sherlock Holmes to find why Clay Holmes should go back into a relief pitching role in 2026.
On the surface, Holmes’ 3.53 ERA over 165.2 innings looks solid. It was the 20th lowest among any pitcher with at least 160 frames. However, a brief peek under the hood reveals that his ERA appears misleading.