Clayton Walter Holmes Bio
Clayton Walter Holmes is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Holmes in the ninth round of the 2011 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 2018, and was traded to the Yankees during the 2021 season. Holmes became the Yankees’ closer and was an MLB All-Star in 2022 and 2024. After becoming a free agent following the 2024 season, he signed with the Mets to become a starting pitcher.
Early Life and Background
Clayton Holmes was born on March 27, 1993, in Slocomb, Alabama. He attended Slocomb High School, where he pitched for the school’s baseball team. His performance in high school led him to commit to Auburn University, where he planned to play college baseball for the Auburn Tigers.
Path to Baseball
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Holmes in the ninth round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Pirates, receiving a $1.2 million signing bonus, which led him to forgo his commitment to Auburn University. Holmes made his professional debut in 2012 with the State College Spikes, where he had a successful season, going 5–3 with a 2.28 earned run average (ERA) in 13 starts. He continued to develop in the Pirates’ minor league system, overcoming challenges such as Tommy John surgery in 2014.
Clayton Walter Holmes Career
Early Career (2012–2018)
Holmes spent several years in the minor leagues, honing his skills and working his way up the ranks. He had notable seasons with the West Virginia Power and the Altoona Curve, where he compiled a 10–9 record with a 4.22 ERA in 26 starts in 2016. The Pirates added him to their 40-man roster after the 2016 season, and he made his MLB debut on April 6, 2018, against the Cincinnati Reds. In his debut, he pitched two innings, giving up one run and striking out two batters.
Breakthrough (2021–2024)
On July 26, 2021, Holmes was traded to the New York Yankees, where he quickly made an impact. He posted a 1.61 ERA in 28 innings with the Yankees and became the team’s closer in May 2022. Holmes set a Yankees franchise record for consecutive scoreless appearances, breaking a record previously held by Mariano Rivera. He was selected as an MLB All-Star in 2022, finishing the season with a 2.54 ERA and converting 20 saves in 25 chances. In 2023, he maintained a strong performance with a 2.66 ERA and 24 saves. In 2024, he was named an All-Star for the second time but faced challenges midseason, leading to a change in his role.
Notable Works and Milestones
Holmes’s signature work includes his record-setting performance as a closer for the New York Yankees. He has been recognized for his achievements with multiple All-Star selections and has established himself as a key player in the league.
Clayton Walter Holmes Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Clayton Holmes has received nominations for prestigious awards, including his selection as an MLB All-Star in 2022 and 2024.
Clayton Walter Holmes Awards Won
Clayton Holmes has won several awards during his career, including being named an All-Star twice. His contributions to the game have been recognized by fans and peers alike.
Clayton Walter Holmes Family
Information about Clayton Holmes’s family is limited. His father, Wendell, was a pastor at a Baptist church in Slocomb, Alabama.
Personal Life
Clayton Holmes has been involved with multiple evangelist organizations run by baseball players. He began his journey of faith at a revival meeting at the age of 11, pledging to walk with Jesus Christ for the rest of his life. Holmes’s commitment to his faith plays an important role in his life and career.