The New York Yankees removed another key man from the closer role before the playoff run, and he’s now expected to leave the team in free agency. Holmes led MLB with 13 blown saves, losing his closing duties after surrendering a game-ending grand slam to the Texas Rangers on September 3. However, he rebounded with strong performances in a non-closer role, boosting his free-agent prospects.
According to MLBTradeRumors’ free-agent predictions, Darragh McDonald foresees Holmes departing from the Yankees and signing a three-year, $30 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
“Holmes will turn 32 just before Opening Day next year,” the article notes. “His age, coupled with an unusually inconsistent year in save situations, could impact his market value. His situation bears some resemblance to that of Taylor Rogers, another closer with a strong history who faced uncharacteristic struggles in his platform year despite solid rate stats.”
Rogers secured a three-year, $33 million deal with the Giants, similar to Robert Stephenson’s $33 million based on three-quarters of a dominant season last winter. Holmes may still be able to land a three-year contract, though a return to the Yankees seems unlikely given his rocky season. Other big-market teams in need of bullpen help are expected to show interest.
With the Red Sox, Holmes could have the chance to close games in 2025 or continue as a high-leverage reliever as he did late last season. Moving to a Yankees rival for a substantial raise—from $6.05 million to $10 million annually—would be a surprising outcome for Holmes.
Where Would Holmes Fit in With Red Sox?
If Clay Holmes signs with the Red Sox as predicted by Darragh McDonald, he could be a strong candidate for Boston’s closer role. In 2024, Kenley Jansen held the position, converting 27 of 31 save opportunities. However, Jansen just completed a two-year, $32 million contract and is expected to be highly pursued in free agency.
If Boston doesn’t bring Jansen back, Holmes would likely be in prime position to take over as the closer. Alternatively, he could be used as a setup man—a role in which he thrived with the Yankees down the stretch. Holmes ended the season with a 3.14 ERA over 67 appearances and posted a 2.25 ERA in 12 playoff innings, reinforcing his value as a high-leverage option.
Yankees Still Showed Confidence in Holmes
Despite removing Clay Holmes from the closer role for the season’s final month and the playoffs, the Yankees remained confident in him. Manager Aaron Boone expressed his continued trust in Holmes during the playoff run.
“I never felt like he was far off,” Boone told MLB.com. “There was a stretch where he got hit hard a couple of times and lost some saves. But he was never really erratic with his command, and the stuff was all there…
“Even though I adjusted his role, I always believed he had what it took to handle it, especially as such a talented pitcher. It’s been good to see him finish the season strong, and he’s obviously pitching really well for us right now.”
Holmes ultimately took on high-leverage assignments in the postseason, contributing meaningfully to the Yankees’ playoff efforts.
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