Clay Holmes Named Mets' Opening Day Starter in Unconventional Move

The former Yankees closer transitions to a starting role as the Mets face rotation challenges heading into the 2025 season.

Clay Holmes, a career reliever with only four prior starts, will take the mound for the Mets' Opening Day on March 27 against the Astros.
Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million deal in the offseason and has impressed during spring training with 9 2/3 scoreless innings and 13 strikeouts.
Manager Carlos Mendoza cited Holmes' strong spring performance and readiness as key factors in the decision, despite his lack of starting experience since 2018.
The Mets' rotation has been impacted by injuries, with Sean Manaea sidelined by an oblique strain and Kodai Senga still building up after a 2024 season plagued by injuries.
Holmes has worked to expand his pitch repertoire, adding a changeup and cutter to his sinker, slider, and sweeper, as he transitions to the starting role.