The Mets may not be blowing up the free agent market with their pitching signings, but they may confuse some bystanders.

Former Yankees closer Clay Holmes is hopping across town to Queens to join the Mets as a starting pitcher rather than a potential bullpen player.

It’s the second notable signing this week for the Mets, who signed Frankie Montas, a veteran right-hander and another former Yankee, to a two-year, $34 million contract.

David Stearns is probably hoping they can turn Holmes into a viable starter thanks to the three-pitch mix he showed last season. The 31-year-old right-hander threw a sinker more than half the time in 2024, averaging over 96 mph. He also has a slider that averages 87.1 mph and a sweeper that averages 83.9 mph, according to Baseball Savant.

Holmes only threw a four-seam fastball twice — a pitch he may have had to mix in more often as a starter.

His move into the starting lineup comes after a difficult 2024 season in which he failed to make 13 saves and was ultimately left out of the Yankees’ closing role in favor of Luke Weaver down the stretch and in the postseason.

The Mets still have some work to do to complete their stable of starters. Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Paul Blackburn, Holmes and Montas are now secured for 2025, but could still be in the market for a bigger-name free agent like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. They could also reunite with Sean Manaea, who was the club’s star player in the second half of the 2024 season.

New York lost Luis Severino to the Athletics on Thursday, meaning another former Yankee signed the largest three-year contract in the nomadic American League club’s history: $67 million.

For more information on Clay Holmes and the Mets, visit AMNY.com