Part 2/7:
The signing of Holmes raises eyebrows, particularly considering the level of investment for a player who may not be guaranteed a closing role. With an average annual value of $13 million, Holmes' contract feels commensurate with a starting pitcher rather than a reliever—especially given his past struggles as the Yankees' closer where he accumulated eleven blown saves last season. However, with Holmes boasting a 100th percentile ground ball rate from the previous year, he could seamlessly fit into the Mets’ pitching philosophy that relies heavily on ground ball pitchers, enhancing the team's infield defense.