Former Yankees duo makes career history with unprecedented performances

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Two former Yankees find post-Bronx success with unprecedented single-game career achievement.

While the Yankees establish themselves as early contenders in the American League, two recent departees are making waves elsewhere—not by falling short of expectations, but by surpassing anything they managed to accomplish during their tenure in the Bronx.

Alex Verdugo and Clay Holmes, each discarded for different reasons following inconsistent stints with New York, have quickly demonstrated capabilities that Yankees fans never witnessed firsthand, creating an intriguing subplot to the 2025 season’s opening month.

Verdugo’s Atlanta revival raises eyebrows

Alex Verdugo’s single-season stint with the Yankees proved largely disappointing. Acquired from rival Boston ahead of 2024, he was expected to provide consistent outfield production and defensive stability. Instead, his bat delivered career-low numbers that hastened his departure.

In 149 games wearing pinstripes, Verdugo managed a subpar .233/.291/.356 slash line, contributing just 13 home runs and 61 RBIs. His OPS+ of 83 represented his first below-average offensive season since 2018. Despite his defensive reliability in left field, the Yankees opted against retention following Juan Soto’s free agency exit.

After lingering unsigned deep into spring training, Verdugo landed with Atlanta on a bargain one-year, $1.5 million contract on March 20. Following a brief minor league assignment to build readiness, his Braves introduction proved immediate and emphatic. In just his second game with his new club, Verdugo collected four hits—a benchmark achievement that somehow eluded him throughout his entire Yankees tenure.

Cost-Benefit analysis turns Yankees uncomfortable

The contrast between Verdugo’s early Atlanta performance and his replacement’s struggles amplifies the scrutiny. Cody Bellinger, secured on a $52.5 million two-year commitment, entered Sunday’s action with a troubling .175/.236/.270 line, having hit just one home run with 10 RBIs through 22 games. While his defensive contributions remain valuable, Bellinger’s strikeout rate has ballooned to an alarming 29.3%—nearly double his 15.6% mark from last season.

Though the season remains young, the early returns have sparked inevitable comparisons and second-guessing among the Yankee faithful. If Verdugo successfully rebounds toward his career norms while Bellinger continues struggling, the financial disparity between their contracts could cast an uncomfortable shadow over the front office’s offseason decision-making.

Holmes transforms from closer to starter across town

Meanwhile, in Queens, the New York Mets took a calculated gamble on former Yankees closer Clay Holmes that has yielded early dividends. Rather than deploying Holmes in his familiar late-inning role, the Mets reimagined him entirely—as a starting pitcher.

Through four starts in his reimagined role, Holmes has accumulated 19 2/3 innings while striking out 28 batters, showcasing enhanced command and effectiveness beyond what Yankees fans witnessed during his relief appearances. Despite opening-day struggles in Houston, the right-hander has subsequently demonstrated the qualities of a dependable mid-rotation starter.

Yankees supporters well remember Holmes’ frustrating inconsistency, particularly his location problems that created high-stress ninth innings. Yet in a starting capacity with the Mets, these same shortcomings seem less catastrophic when distributed across multiple innings of work.

His current 1.47 WHIP indicates ongoing volatility, but his newfound ability to maintain effectiveness deep into outings—something never displayed in the Bronx—represents a meaningful evolution in his career trajectory.

Questioning development approaches

Holmes’ successful conversion inevitably raises questions about his previous utilization. With his imposing physical presence (6’5″, 245 pounds) and natural durability, the foundation for starting potential always existed. Yet the Yankees remained committed to his relief designation, even as his closing effectiveness wavered.

The Mets, conversely, approached Holmes with a fresh perspective. By removing the ninth-inning pressure and emphasizing sequencing development alongside stamina building, they’ve unlocked capabilities that remained theoretical during his Yankees employment.

Long-term sustainability questions persist, but Holmes has accomplished something previously unimaginable in his Yankees tenure—establishing himself as a legitimate starting pitcher.

New beginnings after Bronx disappointments

Neither Verdugo nor Holmes departed New York as particularly beloved figures. Verdugo’s offensive inconsistency and Holmes’ high-wire save attempts often generated more frustration than appreciation. Yet their early success in new environments forces reflection on whether their exits might have been premature or their talents misapplied.

The phenomenon of former Yankees flourishing elsewhere isn’t unprecedented—reduced expectations and fresh surroundings often catalyze performance improvements. However, when multiple recent departures immediately achieve milestones that eluded them in pinstripes—especially as their replacements struggle—the pattern becomes increasingly difficult to dismiss.

Yankees still thriving despite missing ex-players

Despite these developments, the Yankees maintain a strong 14–8 record near the American League’s summit. Max Fried has emerged as the rotation’s anchor, while the offense continues producing consistently behind Judge and Volpe’s contributions. No crisis exists, but questions surrounding roster construction decisions have intensified.

Verdugo demonstrates what’s possible when talented players receive fresh opportunities in supportive environments. Holmes exemplifies how reimagining a player’s role can unlock previously untapped potential.

Two former Yankees crafting compelling new narratives while the organization that once employed them watches from afar—adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding 2025 season.

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