While the New York Yankees should definitely seek Juan Soto as a free agent, they should also consider re-signing another player who is set to become available.
Juan Soto, the outfielder for the New York Yankees, has been the subject of much discussion, and for good reason.With just one season left until he hits free agency, the Yankees traded for five players this offseason to get the All-Star slugger, who will probably earn the second-highest salary in the league behind Shohei Ohtani.
Adding Soto to the outfield and giving him a taste of New York City living before he begins courting free-agent suitors was part of the reasoning behind the trade.
With some of the finest offensive statistics in the American League, left-handed hitter Soto seems certain to be a strong contender for AL MVP at the end of the season
However, the Yankees have more upcoming free agents, one of whom is deserving of a new contract.
One may argue that Clay Holmes is currently the best closer in the American League. He held a 1-0 record, no ERA, and nine saves going into Sunday’s competition. Yes, after 13 innings of work, the 31-year-old right-hander has not allowed a run to score. Holmes has been “lights out” to begin the season, according to USA Today.
He’s not just coasting to a sub-.300 ERA and at least 20 saves for the third straight season. He might be headed for a breakthrough season. Last season, he recorded a career-high 24 saves, and in 2022, he made his lone appearance in an All-Star Game, recording 20 saves.
This season, Holmes is earning $6 million. Josh Hader won’t be able to profit from him on the open market. Hader and the Houston Astros agreed to a five-year contract that will pay him $19 million annually. Although he’s been one of the top closers in the game for a while, he’s had a terrible start to his Houston career.
That’s the unpredictable thing about closure. Holmes is all too aware of that.
However, if that is the reasoning, it makes sense for the Yankees to go after him as well after the season. Sometimes, the devil you know is better than the one you don’t.
The New York Post made speculative claims earlier this year that Holmes would be available for a three-year contract extension, which would amount to an annual value of almost $10 million.
Whether he stays in the Bronx or not, Holmes might be benefiting just as much from each save as Soto in free agency.
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