In a much-anticipated season opener, the New York Mets faced off against the Houston Astros on March 27, 2025, at Daikin Park, but the excitement quickly fizzled as they fell to the Astros 3-1. This matchup was particularly significant for Mets pitcher Clay Holmes, who made his first start since 2018, stepping into a new role after transitioning from a bullpen reliever to a starting pitcher.
Holmes, who signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets during the offseason, was eager to prove himself on Opening Day. "It’s an interesting feeling," Holmes remarked before the game. "Opening up here is like déjà vu, but a lot is different: a new team, new role… I get to start, something I’ve always wanted to do." However, the excitement of his debut quickly turned into a challenge as he struggled to find his rhythm on the mound.
In his 4 2/3 innings of work, Holmes allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, walked four batters, and struck out four, needing 89 pitches to complete his outing. His performance was a stark contrast to his stellar spring training, where he posted a remarkable 0.93 ERA across five starts. The heightened competition in the regular season proved to be a significant step up for the right-hander.
"It’s crazy what can happen in a year," Holmes said, reflecting on his journey from a reliever to a starter. "There was a plan in place from the get-go. I believed in it, and they believed in me." Despite the rough outing, there is still optimism surrounding Holmes and his potential as a starter, especially given the Mets’ struggles with injuries in their rotation. Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas are both on the injured list, leaving Holmes as a vital piece of the pitching puzzle.
The Astros took an early lead in the bottom of the second inning when Holmes hit Jeremy Peña with a pitch, followed by a single from rookie Cam Smith and a walk to Brendan Rodgers that loaded the bases. The Mets' defense faltered as they failed to execute a double play, allowing the Astros to capitalize on the situation and score runs. A ground ball from Jake Meyers led to another run due to a throwing error from Mets second baseman Luisangel Acuña, further compounding the issues for Holmes.
Framber Valdez, the Astros’ starting pitcher, blanked the Mets over seven innings, allowing only four hits and walking two. The Mets had opportunities to score, including putting two runners on in the first inning, but Valdez managed to escape the jam by striking out Mark Vientos and Brandon Nimmo. The Mets finally managed to push a run across in the ninth with a sacrifice fly, but it was too little, too late.
Juan Soto, making his debut with the Mets, went 1-for-3 with a single, two walks, and a crucial strikeout against left-hander Josh Hader in the ninth inning. Soto’s performance was a bright spot for the Mets, but it was overshadowed by the team’s overall lack of execution on the field.
After the game, Holmes expressed his determination to improve, stating, "For me, let’s get through five starts and see where we’re at. It’s one start at a time with this being so new. It’s been a while since I’ve done this." He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from a reliever to a starter, especially in the high-pressure environment of Opening Day.
As Holmes continues to adjust to his new role, he is hopeful that he can learn from his experiences and make the necessary adjustments. He has received guidance from former teammate Michael King and current Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet, both of whom successfully transitioned from the bullpen to the rotation.
Despite the disappointing start, the Mets are optimistic about the future. The 2024 season taught them the importance of resilience, and they know that it’s not how you start, but how you finish that matters. The team has plenty of time to regroup and address the issues that plagued them on Opening Day.
Holmes’ new pitch arsenal, which includes a changeup and cutter, is something he is looking to develop further. He went into spring training knowing that these pitches had the potential to be effective tools in his repertoire. "I went into spring training knowing they had a chance to be weapons to get outs," Holmes said, emphasizing his trust in the new pitches.
The Mets will need Holmes to find his footing quickly, especially with the current injuries in the rotation. His ability to adapt and improve will be crucial as the season progresses. The team is counting on him to step up and deliver the performances they need to compete in a challenging NL East.
As the Mets look ahead, they will focus on refining their game and addressing the mistakes made on Opening Day. With a long season ahead, there is still hope that they can turn things around and meet the high expectations set for them. The journey continues for Clay Holmes and the Mets as they aim for success in the 2025 season.
