3 NY Mets closer options if Edwin Diaz leaves in free agency

3) Clay Holmes

This would be a major turn for the Mets if they were to move Clay Holmes to the closer job. A guaranteed contract through at least the 2026 season, we saw enough from Holmes to question whether or not he should remain a starting pitcher.

Holmes achieved everything we could have practically asked for as a starter. The problem was the 162 game schedule. He faltered late like a lot of the Mets starting pitchers. Perhaps Holmes is more of a final weeks of the season bullpen consideration. After a full offseason of rest, the Mets should have motivation to keep him in the rotation until someone else proves they are more worthy.

In parts of four seasons with the New York Yankees, Holmes saved 74 games. It became increasingly more aggravating by 2024 when he transitioned into an 8th inning option rather than the closer by season’s end.

Fans frustrated with how Holmes couldn’t go much more than 5 innings might not hate the idea of him becoming the closer as a Diaz alternative. The problem is that it doesn’t really solve other issues with the ball club. The vacancy in the rotation can be filled in other ways. However, if all Holmes did was repeat his 2025 performance, the Mets can consider it a success.