Apparently, there’s no more pressure-free endeavor than signing with the team that’s in MLB’s hottest spotlight, following the acquisition of Juan Soto, and changing roles over the span of one offseason. Or maybe pitching for the Yankees is just that toxic these days that anything feels like a vacation?
Nobody hates the Bronx Bombers more than John Smoltz, the ex-Brave whose Atlanta teams were vanquished in the Fall Classic by the ’90s Yankees twice. It’s only natural that he feels this way. After all, who’d want to be front and center on the “Second-Best Team of the Decade”?
Unsurprisingly, Smoltz’s hatred seems to extend to predicting greatness for all former Yankees lucky enough to escape the team’s clutches. That includes Clay Holmes, who led the league in blown saves last year (13) and intends to become a starter on a three-year deal with the Mets.
It could work. It’s certainly bold. If the Mets intend to set Holmes and his turbo sinker up nicely, they should probably add a few more rotation pieces so that he doesn’t enter 2025 in the No. 3 starter spotlight.
But, according to Smoltz, there should be no worries here. With “the pressure to be perfect in the moment” gone, Holmes will “flourish” at Citi Field. Yes, Mets fans … famously not demanding. The 2025 Mets season … famously flying under-the-radar. Those dastardly New Yorkers in the Bronx are long gone. Now, Holmes has to perform for … hmm, I’m checking my notes and seeing “more New Yorkers”?
"I think it's gonna be great. It's going to take pressure off him to be perfect in the moment… I think you're gonna see him flourish."
John Smoltz discusses Clay Homes being a starter in Queens. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/ovqLRBb7wh
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 17, 2024
John Smoltz predicts Clay Holmes will emerge like a phoenix with Mets after leaving Yankees
Holmes’ desire to be a starter purportedly led him to Citi Field, and though he eventually stabilized in September and October once he was removed from the Yankees’ closer role, it’s still surprising he settled back in NYC after the end to his Yankees tenure.
Smoltz converted from starter to closer and back again as he battled arm troubles, so it makes perfect sense he was asked about Holmes’ makeover. It also makes perfect sense that he believes Holmes will enjoy the low-pressure system in Queens, something we still don’t believe will exist, given the team’s high expectation and Holmes’ improvisation in changing his role year-over-year.
Who wants to bet Smoltz is dubious about the Max Fried and Devin Williams additions? Any takers?
