Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes has caught the eye of a division rival. The Boston Red Sox are reportedly considering signing Holmes to their roster as they plan to enhance their bullpen for the 2025 season. The move comes after Boston’s signing of Luis Severino, a former Yankee, to a one-year deal. The Red Sox seem intent on repeating the formula: signing the struggling Yankees talents with high upside.

Clay Holmes, at 31 years old, has played a key role in the Yankees bullpen ever since joining them from Pittsburgh in 2021. Known for his powerful sinker and his capability to perform well under intense situations, Holmes established himself as one of the premier relievers in the league. However, due to inconsistent performances and the increasing payroll in recent years, the Yankees contemplated the possibility of moving on from him this coming winter.

Will the Red Sox be able to replicate Luis Severino’s situation?

Boston’s keenness on Holmes showcases their approach of focusing on pitchers with potential rewards. According to The New York Post, “The Mets appear to be staying out of the high-end rotation market, and trying to replicate the success they had on shorter deals last year with Sean Manaea and Luis Severino. To that end, they have an agreement for two years at $34 million with Frankie Montas. Holmes would fall into this realm of requiring just a two- or three-year deal.” 

Severino was previously an ace pitcher for New York. However, he faced challenges due to injuries until the Red Sox secured him a one-year contract for 2024. Severino responded with a comeback season by delivering a 3.34 ERA in 27 starts. So, now, the Red Sox could be optimistic that Holmes will mirror this progress and rejuvenate his performance. After all, Clay Holmes wrapped up the 2024 season with a 3.14 ERA in 59.2 innings pitched, notching 19 saves along with 63 strikeouts on his record books.

But though these stats are respectable, they don’t quite measure up to his standout All-Star performance in 2022, when Holmes boasted a 12.54 ERA and secured 20 saves. Boston believes tweaking Clay Holmes’ pitch usage and addressing his occasional command issues could unlock his elite potential again. The rivalry between Boston and New York could add intrigue to this potential move. While Severino’s transition already stoked tensions, landing Holmes would mark another direct hit in the arms race—the team is waiting to see if the Yankees are willing to let another asset slip from their hands.

Clay Holmes’ entry in Boston can reignite the AL East rivalry

If Clay Holmes switches from the Yankees to the Red Sox team, it could bring excitement to the rivalry between them in baseball games. Holmes has been a constant thorn for Boston by maintaining a 1.98 ERA over 36 innings of play against the Red Sox. For Boston, signing him would not only strengthen their bullpen but also weaken a key weapon from New York’s arsenal. Such a move could shift the late-game dynamics in AL East showdowns, where every pitch often carries postseason implications.

For the Yankees, losing Holmes to their longtime rivals would sting on multiple levels. Watching a former key reliever potentially flourish in Boston could amplify pressure on the front office to find suitable replacements. The Red Sox, on the other hand, would relish the narrative shift—turning a Yankee stalwart into their bullpen savior. With both teams vying to reclaim dominance in a highly competitive division, this potential signing could intensify an already heated offseason.

As the offseason progresses, the Red Sox’s pursuit of Clay Holmes will undoubtedly draw scrutiny. If Boston can repeat the Severino success story with Holmes, it could shift the balance of power in the AL East bullpen battle.