The New York Mets are getting creative with their newest addition to a new-look rotation.

The Mets and right-hander Clay Holmes have agreed to a three-year deal worth $38 million, league sources confirmed The athlete. According to league sources, Holmes’ agreement with the Mets is as follows: $13 million in the first year, $13 million in the second year and $12 million in the third year (he has an opt-out option after the second year ). The New York Post first reported the deal.

The Mets plan to use Holmes, the former New York Yankees closer, as their starting pitcher.

If Holmes doesn’t find success in the rotation, the backup option could be to use him as a backup to closer Edwin Díaz.

But the Mets had indicated to Holmes when they met with him that they were intrigued by his potential as a starting pitcher.

Holmes, 31, last started a game in 2018. He began his career as a starter in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system. While he played in Triple A for the second straight season in 2018, the Pirates began using him in a hybrid role, with his starting appearances and relief appearances. He made four starts but had a 7.80 ERA in that role before moving to the bullpen full-time.

Source confirms: Mets agree to a three-year, $38 million contract with free agent right-hander Clay Holmes, pending finalization. Deregister after the second year. The plan is to make him the starter. First: @Joelsherman1

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2024

Over his career as a reliever, Holmes has a 3.52 ERA and is a two-time All-Star.

A handful of other teams outside of the Mets were interested in Holmes as a starter, league sources said. Holmes’ three pitches (sinker, slider, sweeper) and his stuff led to a lot of groundballs. Holmes has thrown at least 60 innings in each of the past four seasons but never more than 70, his 2021 total.

The Mets’ familiarity with Holmes should help. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was previously the Yankees’ relief coach and his time overlapped with Holmes’. The Mets also recently hired Desi Druschel, formerly of the Yankees’ coaching staff, as assistant pitching coach.

After signing Frankie Montas earlier this week, the Mets remained interested in adding several more starting pitchers, club sources said.

Given the high price of pitching on the market so far, it’s no surprise that the Mets are looking for options. The Mets are confident in their approach to pitching development under president of baseball operations David Stearns and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner.

Holmes will join former backup players such as Seth Lugo, Reynaldo López, Michael King and Jordan Hicks, who have made the move in recent years.

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(Photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)