Mets rumors: Peculiar Clay Holmes plan is too bold even for the biggest David Stearns fans

David Stearns and the New York Mets are exploring multiple options in the starting pitching market in search of short-term options that can impact the team in 2025. In this sense, the team signed Frankie Montas to a season contract with a player option in 2026 that could turn the contract into $34 million for two seasons.

Looking to get creative, Stearns could be interested in former New York Yankees reliever Clay Holmes as a piece for the team's rotation. Holmes is coming off a season of ups and downs with a Major League-leading 13 blown saves but limiting his opponents' hard-hit contact to seven percentage points less than the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

The plan to sign Clay Holmes to use him as a starter is too risky for the Mets

Recent years have seen a growing trend in Major League Baseball where teams are increasingly interested in converting elite relievers into starting pitchers. This intriguing strategy is fueled by the potential upside of a dominant reliever's stuff when stretched out over a longer inning count such as in the cases of Seth Lugo or Jordan Hicks.

The New York Mets' pursuit of Clay Holmes as a starting pitcher is a risky move that could further destabilize their already uncertain rotation. While Holmes possesses undeniable talent, his limited experience as a starter at the major league level and recent struggles as a reliever raise significant concerns. Holmes has never thrown more than 70 innings at the major league level and more than 100 innings in just four years in the minors.

Holmes' 2024 season was marked by inconsistency with a decrease in his strikeout rate, more home runs allowed, worst BABIP, and a high number of blown saves. This volatility raises questions about his ability to maintain effectiveness over a longer outing as a starter. Also, transitioning from a high-leverage relief role to a starter's workload could place additional pressure on Holmes' arm, potentially leading to increased injury risk.

Furthermore, the Mets' rotation is already facing questions surrounding the performance of key pitchers. After a series of underwhelming seasons, Montas' ability to regain his previous form remains uncertain.

In addition, Senga's 2024 season was marked by inconsistency and a rocky adjustment after coming back from a strained posterior capsule in his right shoulder and a high-grade calf strain in his left leg. So adding Holmes to this mix introduces another element of risk, potentially exacerbating the rotation's instability.

Finally, while Clay Holmes presents an intriguing option, the Mets must carefully weigh the risks and rewards before making a decision that could significantly impact their 2025 season. Instead of relying on unproven and risky options, the Mets might be better served by exploring more established starting pitchers or bolstering their bullpen to support their existing rotation.