1 NY Mets player the fans shouldn't sleep on having a big year

Every playoff-bound team needs that one under-the-radar player who flips the script, and for the 2025 New York Met fans, Clay Holmes might just be the wild card they didn’t know they needed. Transitioning from bullpen standout to reliable starter isn’t a walk in the park, but Holmes has the talent and his manager’s confidence to make it work. The Mets don’t need him to be Jacob DeGrom in his prime—what they need is a season reminiscent of Manaea’s 2024 campaign, and that’s well within reach for Holmes.

As free agency began to take shape this offseason, you didn’t exactly hear a chorus of Yankee fans petitioning for Brian Cashman to bring him back into the fold. And, honestly, who could blame them? After a tumultuous 2024 season, his struggles were hard to ignore. A 3.14 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, a 5.6%-barrel rate, 13 blown saves, and 5 losses were all highs for Holmes in his three full seasons with the Yankees. Not exactly the kind of stats that inspire confidence—or fan enthusiasm.

So, when Stearns rolled in with a three-year, $38 million deal, and the plan to slot him into the Mets' starting rotation, it’s safe to say some fans were left scratching their heads.

For Holmes and the Mets, starting strong out of the gate was crucial to setting the tone for the season. According to a recent report by Greg Joyce of the NY Post, the Mets, and Holmes have already checked off two key boxes ahead of spring training: team support and a bigger bag of tricks. Manager Carlos Mendoza has made it clear that Holmes has his full backing, guaranteeing him a spot in the rotation, rain or shine—so long as he’s healthy and ready to take the mound. On top of that, Holmes has been busy this offseason, adding a changeup and refining his four-seamer, and by all accounts, he’s thrilled with the results so far. It’s a smart approach, giving Holmes the runway to prove himself as he brings his expanded arsenal into play.

While Holmes may have taken a step back in some high-leverage moments and key stats last season, he still showcased dominance in areas that should serve him well as he transitions to pitching every fifth day. His 64.6% groundball rate wasn’t just good—it ranked in the 100th percentile in MLB, making him #1 for the third straight year. And let’s not overlook his knack for keeping the ball in the park, surrendering just eight home runs over the past three seasons (spanning 189.2 innings). Add to that his last three-season averages—a 3.3% barrel rate (top 85% in the league), a .206 xBA, and a .287 xSLG—and you’ve got the makings of a pitcher who could thrive in a starting role.

Holmes isn’t venturing into unknown territory—many relievers have successfully made the jump to starting roles. There are recent examples of former New York relievers who have made the transition work, and their success serves as a blueprint for what Holmes could achieve.

Look at how relievers like Michael King and Seth Lugo excelled after shifting to starting pitchers. King, the centerpiece of the Juan Soto trade, posted a sub-3 ERA over 30 starts for the Padres in 2024. Meanwhile, Seth Lugo followed up a solid 26-start campaign in San Diego by finishing as the runner-up in the Cy Young voting with the Royals last season. Transitioning from the bullpen to a frontline starter wasn’t just possible for these former New Yorkers—it was downright impressive.

If Clay Holmes can rise to the challenge, the Mets might have found their surprise game-changer for 2025. With the backing of his manager, an expanded arsenal, and a groundball rate that’s second to none, Holmes has the tools to make a seamless transition to the rotation. He doesn’t need to be the ace—just a steady, reliable arm. And if he delivers, he could be a difference-maker in October.