Pitcher Clay Holmes and the New York Mets have agreed to a three-year, $38 million deal, a source close to the talks told The Associated Press on Friday.
The source requested anonymity because the agreement, which is for the 31-year-old right-hander, depends on passing a physical exam.
Holmes will make $13 million in the first two years of the contract and $12 million in 2027. He has the option to leave the deal after the 2026 season and become a free agent again, the source added.
The deal was first reported by The New York Post.
Holmes became a top closer for the New York Yankees after being traded from Pittsburgh in July 2021, earning two All-Star selections. However, he struggled this year with control issues and allowing hits from weak contact. Holmes lost his closer role to Luke Weaver after allowing a walk-off grand slam to Texas rookie Wyatt Langford on September 3.
He finished the season with a 3-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, and a career-high 30 saves in 67 appearances, but led the major leagues with 13 blown saves. In the postseason, he regained his form as a reliable setup man for the Yankees, posting a 2.25 ERA in 13 games and going 3-1.
Holmes’ sinker averaged 96.6 mph this season, and he threw it 56% of the time, along with 23% sliders and 21% sweepers.
In his last three years with the Yankees, Holmes saved 74 out of 95 chances. He has a 24-22 record with a 3.71 ERA over seven seasons in the major leagues.
After losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series, the Mets signed right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million contract.
Luis Severino, who led the Mets in innings pitched with 182, left as a free agent to join the Athletics on a $67 million, three-year deal. Left-handers Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana remain available on the market.
On Friday, the Mets also announced minor league contracts with right-hander Grant Hartwig and outfielders Edward Olivares and Alex Ramírez. They also traded for right-hander Sean Harney from Tampa Bay in exchange for 2024 international bonus pool money.
