New York Yankees have a major Clay Holmes problem

Reliever Clay Holmes was expected to be a bright spot for the New York Yankees.

Holmes was acquired by the club in a minor deal ahead of the 2021 MLB trade deadline, with infielders Hoy Park and Diego Castillo heading to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He seized hold of the closer spot in 2022, working as a solid option in the ninth inning.

The veteran reliever continued his strong showing over the first half of 2024. He posted a 2.65 ERA and a 1.324 WHiP over 34 innings through the end of June, notching 19 saves while striking out 34 batters with just eight walks. Holmes was then named to his second All-Star Game as one of the better closers in the game.

Everything changed in the second half of the campaign. While Holmes posted a respectable 3.72 ERA and a 1.276 WHiP in 29 innings from July 1 onward, he also blew nine saves. A walk-off grand slam surrendered to Texans Rangers OF Wyatt Langford on Sept. 3, when Holmes recorded just one out, cost him the closer role over the final month.

Holmes appeared to have turned the page heading into the postseason, firing five shutout innings against the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS and allowing just three hits and a walk while striking out three. The good times have ended in the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians, though, as Holmes has allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in his 2 2/3 innings, including David Fry's walk-off blast in Game 3.

The Yankees have found unexpected options who have stepped up in the bullpen during the ALCS. Tim Hill has been a solid piece in the middle innings. Tommy Kahnle has found success by only throwing changeups . Luke Weaver has continued to be a key part of the later innings. The Yankees need more than three relievers they can trust in the playoffs, though.

Holmes should be a part of the late-inning conversation. His track record would indicate that he would be a key piece for the Yankees bullpen. It is a matter of getting Holmes back on track. Otherwise, the Yankees could have a problem as they look to win their 28th World Series title.