Pitcher Clay Holmes is testing the free agent market again after successfully transitioning from a relief role to a starting rotation spot.
After throwing 101 1/3 innings for the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets, the 33-year-old declined his 2027 player option worth $12 million, according to Yahoo Sports reporting.
The right-hander faced a significant health challenge in May when a fractured right fibula sidelined him for nearly three months.
He returned to action in August to log nine starts for Chicago, as noted by Just Baseball.
Despite the injury, teams are evaluating him as a reliable rotation option due to his ability to limit damage.
Last season, Holmes maintained a 3.29 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP while surrendering only six home runs.
His pitching style relies heavily on a sinker, which resulted in a 60.8% groundball rate during the previous campaign, per the data provided by Just Baseball.
This approach allows him to minimize hard contact despite a relatively low 18.6% strikeout rate.
Projections suggest a potential three-year, $54 million deal with the New York Mets, a move that would reunite him with a club familiar with his skill set.
The Mets previously provided him the opportunity to start regularly, leading to a career-high 165 2/3 innings pitched across 31 starts.
While other organizations may offer more capital, the existing relationship makes the Mets a logical landing spot, the Yahoo Sports analysis stated.
Analysts at Just Baseball expect a final contract to span two to four years with an annual value between $16 million and $22 million.
Teams remain cautious regarding his age and injury history, particularly because his 10.0% walk rate necessitates strong defensive support behind him.
Nevertheless, his performance before the May injury, which included a 2.39 ERA over his first nine starts of 2026, proves he can handle the workload.
As the offseason progresses, franchises will weigh his groundball efficiency against the risks associated with his health to determine his market value.