Only one player from the New York Yankees leads all MLB players in a key statistical category at this stage of the season: closer Clay Holmes, who is tied with the San Diego Padres’ Robert Suarez as the leaders in saves with nine each.
Holmes has successfully saved all but one of his opportunities so far this season, without giving up any earned runs and accumulating 12 strikeouts in 12 innings. In his seventh season in the big leagues, he’s performing exceptionally well, leading Tim Britton of The Athletic to project a four-year, $52 million extension if the Yankees decide to offer him one.
However, according to Bob Klapsich, an MLB columnist for the Newark Star-Ledger, there’s no chance of that happening.
“It’s certain that Holmes won’t receive an offer from the Yankees before the end of the season,” Klapsich wrote. “The Yankees have a policy of rarely offering early extensions to players. Holmes shouldn’t take it personally.”
The New York Yankees Might Lose Reliever Clay Holmes After the Season
If Holmes chooses to explore free agency at the end of what has been a stellar season for him, he will likely attract plenty of interest from other teams. This could mean the end of his time with the Yankees.
“Clay Holmes, the Yankees’ dominant closer, may soon become a free agent, raising questions about the team’s bullpen situation in the upcoming offseason,” Sara Molnick wrote for Pinstripes Nation. “Although Holmes has been a valuable asset to the Yankees, the lack of contract discussions suggests a possible parting of ways once the offseason arrives.”
Klapisch dismissed the possibility of an extension based on the Yankees’ organizational policy, which was stated by principal owner Hal Steinbrenner in 2010, saying, “I don’t believe in contract extensions, and that’s throughout the organization, no matter who it is.”
While the Yankees did extend closer Aroldis Chapman in 2020, they may have regretted it as his performance declined.
Klapisch suggested that at best, the Yankees might re-sign Holmes to a short-term deal, but he cast doubt on that, considering Holmes’ age.
“If history tells us anything, GM Brian Cashman will likely advise Holmes to test his value on the open market,” Klapisch wrote. “Holmes will come back with a figure, and then, perhaps, the Yankees will consider negotiating a short-term deal. But that’s only if Cashman and his analytics team believe Holmes can maintain his performance for another 2-3 seasons.”
Clay Holmes Says He’s Focused on Winning With the New York Yankees Before Free Agency
For Holmes, the best course of action is to maintain his elite level of pitching, which would make the Yankees seriously consider the consequences of losing him. In recent remarks, the pitcher indicated that this will remain his focus.
“I have great relationships here with coaches and players, and I’m just enjoying that and enjoying my current situation,” he told The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty. “When the day comes that I’m no longer with the Yankees, then we’ll think about what’s next. But right now, I’m here and I’m going to do everything I can to help us win as many games as possible.”
