The New York Yankees have produced some of the most effective shutdown closers in the league in recent years, including as Aroldis Chapman, who finished third in all-time saves from 2016 to 2022, and Mariano Rivera, who recorded the most saves in franchise history from 1995 to 2013.
The team’s bullpen led the majors in ERA at 3.34 last season, headed by closer Clay Holmes, who had 24 saves in 41 appearances, even though they haven’t had a standout closer since then. After the 2024 season, Holmes’ $6 million, one-year contract with the Yankees expires, he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency.
The Yankees should “get this deal done now,” according to Tim Britton of The Athletic, who is pleading with the organization to extend him at an estimated cost of $52 million over four years.
Britton stated, “The Yankees’ bullpen, long a strength, has seen some turnover of late.” “It would be helpful to provide stability if Holmes were locked in at this rate, which works well for both set-up men and closers.”
Estimating the bullpen of the New York Yankees for 2024
The organization was linked to many high-profile relievers this offseason, including Phil Maton (who joined the Tampa Bay Rays), Ryan Brasier (who re-joined the Los Angeles Dodgers), and Héctor Neris (who joined the Chicago Cubs). Josh Hader acknowledged that the Yankees had also been interested in him after he eventually agreed to a $95 million contract with the Houston Astros.
Ultimately, the bullpen lost Wandy Peralta, who signed a free agent contract with the Padres, and Keynan Middleton, who joined the St. Louis Cardinals, in addition to Michael King, who was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Juan Soto. In the interim, Victor González, Caleb Ferguson, and Jonathan Loáisiga were added.
Apart from Holmes, Loáisiga, and González, Tommy Kahnle and Ian Hamilton are anticipated to be among the other pitchers in the Yankees bullpen.
The Secret to the New York Yankees Bullpen Philosophy Is Clay HolmesÂ
Britton mentioned a quick rotation, but the Yankees bullpen’s overarching plan of forcing poor contact appears to be unaltered.
“The Yankees went out and traded for two lefties, Victor González and Caleb Ferguson, from the Dodgers, demonstrating that they still believe in the same philosophy that has made their pen a strength in recent years,” Dan Martin of the New York Post wrote. “González and Ferguson will join a pen that features Ian Hamilton, Clay Holmes, and Peralta, who together finished in the top 15 in reliever ground-ball rates last season, a year in which the average ground-ball percentage for the bullpen was around 43 percent.”
The Yankees should think about extending Holmes if that mindset is to hold true—possibly even before the season is out. He will be essential to their success in 2024, and should the team be unable to retain him, he may make a sizable salary elsewhere.
Andrés Chávez said for Pinstripe Alley, “Quality relievers like Holmes are getting a considerable amount of money in free agency, so you can bet he will be motivated to succeed.” Holmes must play a major role in the Yankees’ plans if they hope to make a deep postseason run this year. Being among the best relievers in the league when he performs at his peak is why they need him to stay healthy and driven.
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