Yankees Free Agency Update: Mets overpay Clay Holmes, Shane Bieber deal, Willy Adames

Another former New York Yankee has signed with the Mets. It's actually embarrassing how this continues to happen at the rate that it does (and with the caliber of players typically featured). But it seemingly wouldn't be an offseason without it happening.

Clay Holmes agreed to a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets on Friday night and will reportedly be utilized out of the starting rotation. All Yankees fans have to say about that? Good luck.

While Holmes was indeed a lights-out closer at times, his other persona was "the most predictably hittable reliever in Major League Baseball." Each and everyone of his full seasons in pinstripes were a tale of two stretches: Holmes would be untouchable for one and then morph into a piñata for the other.

Holmes began his career as a starter, and when that didn't work out he was moved to the bullpen. Now, his volatility as a reliever (even after being unlocked following a failed stint with the Pirates has been deemed excessive, so the Mets will try to capitalize on getting a cost-effective starting pitcher with this ploy.

If Holmes can somehow recapture his elite form for 5-6 innings at a time while avoiding historic meltdowns, he'll be worth every penny. But that's a big if. And this $12.7 million AAV commitment seems like a steep gamble, even for the deep-pocketed Steve Cohen.

We'll say this: Juan Soto isn't thinking, "Wow, Holmes and Frankie Montas as the Mets' starting pitching additions?! That's where I want to be for the next 12-15 years!"

Yankees Free Agency Update: Shane Bieber signs with Guardians, Willy Adames interest

On a more serious note, the Yankees may have missed a golden opportunity to sign a elite starting pitcher when Shane Bieber agreed to stay with the Cleveland Guardians on a one-year deal. Unless the right-hander truly wanted to stay with the only team he's ever known, we'd like to know where New York was in this free agency chase.

That's a potential two-year, $30 million commitment for a former Cy Young winner, who should be back by mid-2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery early this past season. Bieber reportedly turned down higher offers to re-up with Cleveland, but it's unclear how involved the Yankees were.

The search for starting pitching will continue with the Winter Meeting approaching, but it appears the Yankees have their eye on another high-profile free agent.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Yankees are targeting Willy Adames to become their starting third baseman. But there's a catch: it's only under consideration if Soto doesn't return, which makes it a bit less appealing.

Adames feels a lot more like a Soto supplement rather than a pivot, but the Yankees apparently have their Plan Bs in motion as they've also melt with Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Burnes specifically feels like an option with Soto out of the picture given the expectations surrounding his future contract.

Yankees fans have mostly responded positively to the Adames buzz, however, no matter the situation if he's signed. He's a great defender, an incredibly clutch hitter, and offers the type of fearless edge the roster lacks.

We'd really hate for Adames to enter the fold amidst bad vibes if the franchise is reeling from losing Soto, though, because that's going to sting regardless of where he goes (or how big his contract ends up being).