Clay Holmes came over to the New York Mets two years ago, signing a three-year deal worth $38 million. Included in the deal is a player option for next season, which is worth $12 million if he decides to accept it. Now, with the way this season has gone for the Mets, it would seem as if they are going to sell at the deadline, granted they are 12 games back of a wild card spot. Holmes has been one of the names out there as a possible player to be traded at the deadline. However, the Mets should look to hold on to Holmes past the deadline.
Mets Should Keep Holmes for the Foreseeable Future
Holmes Wants To Stay in New York
Holmes has stated his case that he would love to stay with the team past this season, and that is what the Mets should look to do. Amid all the rumors over the past few weeks, Holmes has stated that not only would he want to stay with the Mets, but he is also open to an extension with the team. Holmes does not seem to want to run away from the problem but rather to find a solution to help the team succeed.
Holmes, when talking to The Athletic’s Will Sammon and Tim Britton, said:
“I know things are not the easiest right now and hard, but it’s not like I’m sitting here hoping to run away from it.” “If I can be part of the solution to make things better here, I would like that.” “I came here for a reason; you almost have the sense of some type of unfinished business.” “You want to make things right and do things well here because when you do win here, it’s very exciting.” “I’ve seen that.” “It’s something that I hope to be a part of.” “I don’t know what that looks like.” “But that desire is still there.”
Holmes Can Be a Solid Middle-Of-The-Rotation Guy
Holmes seems like he wants to be here a long while, and of course, while he may not be an ace or even a number two starter, he can definitely settle in as a number three pitcher on this team. It would be a huge mistake if the Mets decided to move on from Holmes unless they could get a decent haul for him at the deadline. Whether the lockout happens next season or not, the team needs pitching, and they would be losing a solid piece in a guy like Holmes.
During this season, Holmes posted a 4-4 record and a 2.39 ERA over nine starts. At points throughout the season, it looked as if Holmes was on his way to having an All-Star-caliber season before he ultimately got hurt. It will be an important decision that the Mets have to make with the trade deadline sneaking up on them in the coming weeks. However, with that being said, this team cannot afford to lose pitching. This team needs all the help they can get going into the next couple of seasons, especially with starting pitching.
What Will the Mets Do With Holmes?
With less than a month remaining until the deadline, it will be interesting to see what David Stearns’ approach is in whether or not he moves on from Holmes. Holmes can certainly be a fixture in the Mets’ rotation for the next few years, or they can decide to move him and get a haul for him at the deadline. It’s all up to Stearns, and eyes will be on him to see what his next move is.
Main Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
