The New York Mets agreed to a three-year, $38-million contract with right-hander Clay Holmes, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.
The Mets plan to use Holmes as a starting pitcher after he spent four seasons in relief with the New York Yankees.
Holmes made four starts with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018.
The deal pays Holmes $13 million in both 2025 and 2026, after which he can opt out and become a free agent if he chooses, a source told Ronald Blum of The Associated Press.
The Baltimore Orioles were high on Holmes before he joined the Mets, sources told Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic.
The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Philadelphia Phillies were also reportedly interested in Holmes.
Toronto and Philadelphia planned to use him as a reliever, Baltimore would've gone in the direction of starter like New York, and Boston's intent was unclear, according to Rosenthal and Sammon.
The righty was named an American League All-Star in 2022 and 2024. He recorded a career-high 30 saves last season but struggled down the stretch before ultimately being removed from the closer's role.
The 31-year-old owns a 3.71 ERA (113 ERA+) and 1.30 WHIP with a 9.6 K/9 across 311 career appearances.
