4 Yankees in contract year whose motivations could lift 2024 roster

Clay Holmes

Clay Holmes said the Yankees haven't approached him about an extension, but the team has no reason to at the moment. Holmes is making $6 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility and still has a lot to prove.

The right-hander's consistency has been his paramount issue. His 25 sterling games during a worthless 2021 season set the tone, but his All-Star 2022 season was a tale of two halves: 1.31 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in the first and a 4.84 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in the second. Can't have that.

Then, in 2023, it occurred in similar fashion but to a lesser extreme. Holmes wasn't the certified closer for a decent portion to start the year because of the way he finished 2023, but his 2.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP first half (with 10 saves) combined with his 3.71 ERA and 1.28 WHIP second half (with 14 saves) made it a bit more palatable.

Truthfully, there's no room for such a discrepancy in 2024. Holmes has superior stuff, but needs to harness his command and composure. He'll be the favorite to kick off the year as the team's closer and his fight for a payday could help him secure it once and for all.