Mets Name Holmes 2025 Opening Day Starter

The New York Mets have named Clay Holmes, a former New York Yankees reliever, as their Opening Day starter for the 2025 MLB season against the Houston Astros. Holmes, who has transitioned from a bullpen role to a starting pitcher, signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets in the offseason. His appointment as the starter is partly due to a dominant spring training performance, where he pitched 9.2 scoreless innings with 13 strikeouts. This decision comes amid injuries to key pitchers like Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga, which have affected the Mets' rotation options. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence in Holmes' transition, noting his early arrival at camp and strong performance as factors. Holmes' start marks his first MLB start since 2018 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.