Yankees Ex-Closer Expected to Join Top Rivals in Stunning Move
Yankees made the decision to remove Clay Holmes from his role as the team’s closer before their playoff push, and now he’s expected to depart in free agency. Holmes, who led the majors with 13 blown saves, lost his closer role after surrendering a game-ending grand slam to the Texas Rangers on September 3. Despite that setback, Holmes rebounded to perform well in a setup role for the remainder of the season and playoffs, which has helped improve his free-agent market value.
In MLB Trade Rumors’ latest free-agent predictions, analyst Darragh McDonald forecasts that the former Yankees closer will leave the team to sign a three-year, $30 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
Holmes will turn 32 just prior to Opening Day next year,” the article said. “Age, paired with an uncharacteristically shaky showing in save settings, won’t do his earning potential any favors. There are some parallels with Taylor Rogers, another closer with a nice track record who experienced some out-of-character struggles in his platform year despite maintaining terrific rate stats.
“Rogers got three years and $33MM from the Giants (the same figure given to Robert Stephenson based on three quarters of a season of dominance last winter). A three-year pact should still be there for Holmes. Though it seems unlikely to come from the Yankees after his tumultuous season. Other big-money clubs with needs in the bullpen will be interested.
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