Clay Holmes Enters Second Season as Full-Time Starting Pitcher

Entering his second year as a starter, Clay Holmes looks to build on a 2025 campaign where he made 31 starts with a 3.53 ERA. While effective at inducing ground balls, Holmes experienced fatigue and velocity drops last season during his transition from the bullpen. The Mets are looking for him to provide more length in 2026, with Holmes currently projected for a third or fourth starter role as the team manages a rotation that includes Freddy Peralta and Nolan McLean.