Part 4/7:
Holmes is particularly notable for his sinkerball pitcher profile, and De Como emphasized that Holmes is adept at utilizing three distinct pitches, including two types of breaking balls: the slider and the sweeper. Last season, these pitches combined for approximately 50% of his throw count, allowing teams to envision how he might translate that effectiveness into a starting role.
For the Mets, this acquisition aligns with their strategy of pursuing shorter-term deals rather than investing heavily in established starting pitchers. With his relatively lower salary than that of average starting pitchers, Holmes serves as an economical option, especially considering his injury-prone past.