Brian Cashman Yankees
Brian Cashman Yankees Source: MLB.com

The New York Yankees are planning to be the best team in MLB again. They have come a long way since the failure of 2023. Last season, the NY side did not make the postseason. They finished with an awful 82-80 record. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers had the second-worst batting average in the league. The NY side was only better than the nine-time champions, the Oakland Athletics, in terms of hitting average. However, the 27-time champions faced a big disappointment last year. And they have been looking to change things ever since. Moreover, the Yankees landed Juan Soto and other quality outfielders to boost their offense and outfield.

Albeit, Juan Soto may be a Yankee for only a year, they have a good chance to contend for the World Series after a long time. Since 2009, the NY side has never been to the “Big Dance.” Perhaps this year things will change for the better. That’s what the team and it’s fans are hoping for. Moreover, Clay Holmes says he’s focusing on becoming World Champions as a Yankee. However, there is something to worry about for the Yankees reliever. For instance, why have the Bronx Bombers not yet extended his contract?

   

Clay Holmes Said He Had No Conversation Regarding Contract Extension

Clay Holmes
New York Yankees relief pitcher Clay Holmes (35) throws in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Saturday, June 4, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)AP

The Yankees reliever is entering his walk season. But as of yet, Clay Holmes mentioned the Yankees have not initiated any discussion about a contract extension. However, Joel Sherman of The New York Post said he understands the current position of the Yankees. Moreover, Sherman explained that the Bronx Bombers always identify distressed relievers with impressive skills and try to maximize those skills. When they made a trade for Clay Holmes with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the reliever was posting a 5.57 ERA. That’s why Sherman says if the Yankees did it with Holmes, they would do it with his successors as well.

Perhaps the Yankees are thinking about finding an inexpensive closer to replace Holmes. Moreover, the Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner duo must be thinking that they have a lot of financial commitments to look forward to. For instance, they have to decide on extending Juan Soto’s contract after the 2024 season. Moreover, they are still showing interest in signing Blake Snell. Perhaps the Bombers have to do something sooner if the market for the two-time Cy Young winner collapses into their laps. Hence, Sherman says, “Saving money elsewhere for managing the payroll is imperative and probably the easiest thing to do.”

Yankees Need Players Like Holmes Who Love To Wear The Pinstripes Uniform

Clay Holmes
New York Yankees relief pitcher Clay Holmes celebrates after the second baseball game of the team’s doubleheader against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, June 2, 2022, in New York. The Yankees won 2-1. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Joel Sherman believes the NY side also needs players like Wandy Peralta and Clay Holmes, who can handle being a Yankee. These players love the clubhouse and are pretty comfortable with the environment. Recently, Clay Holmes told the media, including The New York Post, that he wants to win. Moreover, Holmes said he enjoys an environment with high expectations and pressure. Additionally, Holmes says he wants to help his teammates accomplish the goal of winning the championship. With that aspect in his mind he loves to stay part of the Yankees.

As far as negotiations, there has not been much, and Holmes mentioned he didn’t give it much thought either. Moreover, Clay Holmes expressed his excitement over the opportunity to win the World Series this year. In the last few seasons, that opportunity was not quite there. Since its there this year, that’s all Holmes has been thinking about. If there’s any change in contract, they can talk about it then, says Holmes.

Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.