The New York Yankees and All-Star closer Clay Holmes appear headed for the final split, with sources indicating the team plans to overhaul its bullpen after a disappointing finish to the season.
Reports suggest Yankees management has expressed dissatisfaction with Holmes’ late-season struggles, which may have also fueled the pitcher’s openness to exploring opportunities outside the Bronx.
According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, Holmes could remain in the American League East, with the Baltimore Orioles emerging as a potential landing spot. Kelly projects a two-year deal worth approximately $24 million, positioning Holmes as a setup option alongside Felix Bautista, who is expected to return from Tommy John surgery for the 2025 season.
The Orioles’ less pressurized environment could offer Holmes a chance to regain his form, analysts note. While he struggled with control issues late in his Yankees tenure, Holmes still possesses the potential to excel as one of MLB’s top setup relievers. Paired with a healthy Bautista, Holmes could help establish Baltimore’s bullpen as one of the league’s strongest late-inning units.
Should Holmes join the Orioles, it could pose challenges for the Yankees in future AL East matchups, adding another layer of intrigue to an already competitive division.
Tanner Scott Yankees’ replacement for Holmes?
The New York Yankees head into the offseason with several key areas to address, particularly their bullpen, as questions linger about their late-inning relief strategy.
While Luke Weaver impressed as the closer during the 2024 season, analysts suggest the Yankees may seek a more seasoned arm to anchor their bullpen. Weaver’s strong finish has made him a viable option for the role, but the free agent market offers intriguing alternatives, including standout left-hander Tanner Scott.
Scott, who emerged as an All-Star with the San Diego Padres in 2024, has reportedly been on the Yankees’ radar since his days with the Miami Marlins. Sports Illustrated analysts Will Laws and Nick Selbe predict the Yankees could target Scott, citing his elite performance over the past two seasons. Scott led all relievers with a 4.0 WAR during that span, showcasing improved command, an ability to generate soft contact, and a high strikeout rate.
According to New York Post insider Jon Heyman, Scott’s market value is projected at four years and approximately $54 million. Such a deal would place Scott among the league’s highest-paid relievers, underscoring his value as a reliable late-inning option.
The Yankees’ ability to pursue Scott or other top bullpen arms may hinge on the outcome of their pursuit of free-agent superstar Juan Soto. Sources indicate that even with Soto potentially commanding a record-breaking deal, the Yankees could still afford a closer in the $10-12 million annual range. However, committing to such a move could limit the team’s flexibility for additional roster upgrades.
With their bullpen in need of reinforcements and Scott’s name surfacing as a strong fit, speculation surrounding a potential Yankees-Scott pairing is expected to intensify as the offseason progresses.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
I had Holmes getting a 3/$31M deal. I think the contract for Scott is a bit high and has an extra year on it. I think a 3/$35M is a bit more reasonable. Remember, he wasn’t that good in Baltimore, and he doesn’t have the track record of Ho,mes, but he is a LHPR(Power reliever), so I’ll give him a bit more money than Holmes.