Time’s Running Out: Orioles Need to Sign Yankees Reliever Before…
The Baltimore Orioles were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the American League Wild Card. They could look to make upgrades to their pitching staff before they start the 2025 season.
While listing players in the World Series that the Orioles should target, FanSided’s Andrew Bassan urged the Orioles to pursue New York Yankees reliever Clay Holmes in free agency.
“The Orioles hope ‘As the Bullpen Turns’ will be less dramatic next year: Felix Bautista will return, Danny Coulombe will be fully healthy, and Craig Kimbrel will be on another team,” wrote Bassan. “Another way the Orioles can improve the 2025 bullpen is by signing Yankees’ reliever Clay Holmes.”
Spotrac projects Holmes to sign a four-year, $54 million deal in free agency. Holmes is a two-time All-Star, including last season. He was one of the league’s best closers at his best. However, by the end of the season, Luke Weaver took over closing duties.
“Holmes pitched well for the Yankees from 2021-2024, saving 74 games over that span,” wrote Bassan. “In 2024, however, he blew 13 saves and lost his closer role to Luke Weaver. Ultimately, Holmes is likely best served as an eighth-inning guy.”
The Orioles don’t need a closer. Felix Bautista is one of the best closers in baseball. Adding Holmes to fill the eighth-inning role would strengthen the entire bullpen.
“Adding Holmes to set up Bautista would strengthen the entire bullpen, as it would allow Yennier Cano to pitch in the sixth and seventh innings. Plus, despite the 13 blown saves, Holmes still struck out over a batter an inning in 67 games in 2024, and still seems to be in his prime,” wrote Bassan. “If the Orioles want to upgrade their bullpen, a 2-3 year deal worth $11-$14M for Holmes would make sense.”
