The New York Mets are facing the prospect of losing pitcher Clay Holmes, who is expected to decline his $12 million player option for the 2027 season. Holmes, who has transitioned from a relief pitcher to a starter, has posted a 3.38 ERA with the Mets and has remained mostly healthy. This performance puts him in a favorable position to seek a more lucrative contract in free agency. Recent trends show that decent starting pitchers are commanding higher salaries, as evidenced by players like Nick Martinez and Chris Bassitt, who received contracts worth $13 million and $18.5 million, respectively, in their mid-30s. If Holmes continues his solid performance throughout the season, he is likely to opt out of his current deal, aiming for a better financial opportunity in the open market.