The New York Mets entered the 2025 MLB season with high hopes, bolstering their rotation by signing Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes. While Montas turned out to be one of the year’s biggest disappointments, Holmes showed flashes of reliability — though not quite enough to justify his hefty three-year, $38 million deal.
Holmes, a former two-time All-Star closer with the New York Yankees, transitioned to a starting role for the Mets this season. Over 31 starts, he managed a respectable 3.53 ERA and even made two bullpen appearances toward the end of the campaign. On paper, those numbers appear solid, but the reality is that New York leaned on Holmes far more than anticipated due to persistent injuries across the rotation.
The Mets’ pitching staff struggled to stay healthy, forcing Holmes into a front-line role that tested his endurance. Though he held his own, the organization is reportedly considering major pitching changes for next season. According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, one possible move could see the Mets trading Holmes to the Oakland Athletics.
Miller noted that while the Athletics endured an abysmal stretch between May 6 and June 4 — losing 24 of 27 games — they quietly turned things around later in the year, finishing with a 34-24 record after July 24. “They need to improve the rotation if they want to contend in 2026,” Miller wrote, “and doing so via a $200 million signing isn’t exactly the John Fisher way.”
Holmes could be a perfect fit for the A’s. His ability to limit home runs would translate well to Sutter Health Park, and his contract is modest compared to the top-tier free-agent pitchers on the market. If the Mets revamp their rotation this offseason, parting ways with Holmes could free up both salary and a rotation spot for a younger arm or a high-profile acquisition.
Meanwhile, Oakland’s young core — featuring Lawrence Butler, Jacob Wilson, Shea Langeliers, Nick Kurtz, and Tyler Soderstrom — is developing quickly under team control. Adding a steady veteran like Holmes could bring balance and leadership to the clubhouse.
For the Mets, the decision is tough but clear: if they’re serious about reshaping their pitching staff for a deeper playoff run, cutting ties with their $38 million All-Star after just one season might be the right move.