Clay Holmes is a right-handed reliever from Dothan, Alabama, born March 27, 1993, who has grown into one of the most dependable arms in the big leagues. In 2026, his stint with the Chicago Cubs produced a jaw-dropping 1.55 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP over 29 innings — the kind of numbers that make contending teams line up to put a pen in his hand.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Clay Holmes
- Position: Pitcher (Relief)
- Team: Chicago Cubs
- Number: 25
- Bats / Throws: Right / Right
- Height / Weight: 6’5″ / 245 lbs
- Born: March 27, 1993 (age 33) — Dothan, Alabama 🇺🇸
- MLB Debut: April 6, 2018
Background
Holmes came up through the minors and made his MLB debut on April 6, 2018, breaking in with Pittsburgh. Those early years in the Pirates organization were where he refined his arsenal and began the long process of figuring out exactly what kind of pitcher he wanted to be. The answer, it turned out, was a high-leverage reliever — a role he’s now mastered.
Professional Career
Holmes’s career arc is a study in steady growth. He moved through several organizations, collecting high-pressure reps that sharpened him into the elite bullpen arm he is today. His ability to get both right-handed and left-handed hitters out consistently has made him a manager’s favorite in close games.
In 2026, Holmes split time between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs, and his combined numbers were excellent across the board:
- 81.2 innings pitched combined
- 2.09 ERA overall
- 63 strikeouts
- 1.07 WHIP
With the Mets, he logged a 2.39 ERA over 52.2 innings with 45 strikeouts. Once he got to Chicago, he shifted into another gear — 1.55 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 18 punchouts in 29 frames. At 33, Holmes is proving that experience and consistency are still worth every penny in the big leagues.
2026 Stats at a Glance
- 2026 (Combined): 2.09 ERA | 6-6 | 63 K | 1.07 WHIP | 81.2 IP
- 2026 Chicago Cubs: 1.55 ERA | 2-2 | 18 K | 1.00 WHIP | 29.0 IP
- 2026 New York Mets: 2.39 ERA | 4-4 | 45 K | 1.10 WHIP | 52.2 IP
Awards and Recognition
Holmes hasn’t taken home an MVP or a Gold Glove, but his value shows up in a different way: teams keep coming back for him. His 2026 performance places him firmly among the most reliable relievers in the National League, and that reputation is its own kind of award.
Worth Knowing
One of the more underrated parts of Holmes’s story is the transition he made from starter to reliever — a switch that derails plenty of pitching careers. Holmes not only made it work, he thrived. That kind of adaptability is rare, and it’s a big reason why he’s still getting high-leverage assignments at 33.
