That Two-Time All-Star Is Headed to Baltimore, and Nobody in the AL East Is Ready For It

The Baltimore Orioles are about to make a massive splash, potentially landing a two-time All-Star who could fill their rotation’s biggest void. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly is predicting former Yankees reliever turned Mets starter Clay Holmes will ink a two-year, $48 million deal with the O’s, a move that includes a hefty $20 million club option for 2029. This is the kind of move that shakes things up in a big way.

The Ace They Desperately Need

Let’s be real, the Orioles are missing an ace, and everyone knows it. It has been two seasons since Corbin Burnes dominated the AL East, finishing fifth in Cy Young voting during his single season with the club. Now, with Trevor Rogers potentially hitting free agency this offseason, Baltimore’s rotation is facing a serious shake-up, and they absolutely have to replace him if he walks. Kelly nailed it when he said, “Trevor Rogers has an uncertain future in Baltimore. Even if there are things to like about Shane Baz, Kyle Bradish, and Brandon Young, the O’s need to make at least one external addition to their rotation this offseason. [Clay] Holmes would be a good place to start.” He is right, this organization needs an outside arm, and fast.

Holmes’ Story and What He Brings

So, who is Clay Holmes? This guy started his career as a reliever for the Yankees before really breaking out as a starter with the Mets. He is a two-time All-Star, which tells you everything you need to know about his talent when healthy. Sure, he had a rough patch, getting traded to the Cubs while on the injured list with a fractured right fibula, then posting a 4.25 ERA in nine starts in Chicago. He even missed their Wild Card Series. But here’s the kicker: Holmes is one of the sport’s premier ground-ball pitchers, inducing grounders at a ridiculous 60.5% rate in 2026. That is elite, folks. Kelly even compared him to Seth Lugo, who snagged a two-year, $46 million extension with a $17 million club option from the Royals, noting both were “long-time relievers who became effective starters.” The Orioles are clearly looking for that kind of transition success.

This offseason, Baltimore needs at least one starter, and if this prediction holds, getting Holmes is a massive step towards shoring up that rotation. What a way to kick off the winter, right?

This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.

Originally reported by The Sporting News.