Amazin' Daily Briefing

Amazin' Daily Briefing: February 28th, 2025

Clay Holmes, a seasoned reliever, is making waves in the Mets’ rotation this spring. Could he be the unexpected ace the team needs? We break down his transition, key insights, and predictions for the upcoming season.

The New York Mets may have unearthed a hidden gem in an unexpected place. Clay Holmes, a career-long reliever, is making waves with his eye-catching transition to a starting role. But is this just the usual spring training buzz, or are we witnessing a legitimate breakthrough?

Can Holmes Defy the Doubters?

Many analysts, cast doubt on Holmes’ ability to stretch out into a starter. After all, the jump from the bullpen to the rotation isn’t for the faint of heart. Yet, as camp unfolds, the numbers are starting to tell a different story—Holmes is proving he might just have the chops for this new gig.

Spring Training Standout: Holmes’ Strengths on Display

Even in the early going, Holmes has shown promising signs of settling into his new role. Unlike his short-burst bullpen outings, he’s extending his appearances and demonstrating improved command. While his velocity has ticked down slightly, his ability to induce weak contact remains a defining trait—a critical asset for any emerging starter.

The real revelation? Holmes is expanding his repertoire. The Mets’ staff is working with him to add a cutter or four-seamer to diversify his pitch mix. His changeup, in particular, is turning heads, giving him another reliable tool to keep hitters off balance.

The Workload Question: How Many Innings Can Holmes Deliver?

For all his early success, expecting Holmes to log 200 innings in 2024 would be a stretch. A more realistic target? Around 130 innings—a solid contribution that would bolster the Mets’ staff. History shows that relievers making this transition can provide similar totals, and if Holmes can reach that benchmark, New York will have struck gold.

The NL East Gauntlet

Beyond Holmes’ development, the bigger picture remains the gauntlet that is the National League East.

Atlanta Braves: Despite some bumps last year, their roster is stacked with young talent. A healthy Spencer Strider and 2024 Cy Young winner Chris Sale could make them the team to beat.
Philadelphia Phillies: With a rotation anchored by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, their ability to prevent runs is elite. Pair that with their offensive depth, and they’ll be in the hunt all season long.
New York Mets: With Juan Soto and a deep lineup, the offense is formidable. The lingering question? Can the pitching staff hold up. Trusting David Stearns to make the right midseason moves might be the Mets’ ticket to contention.

Final Thoughts

Holmes’ transformation is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of Mets camp. If he can sustain this level of performance into the regular season, New York may have stumbled upon an unexpected asset in their rotation. But will it be enough to carry them through the grueling NL East race? Only time will tell.

Mets fans, what’s your take? Is Holmes the missing piece, or is this just another spring training mirage?