Clay Holmes is becoming one of the Yankees' biggest difference-makers

"Now in his fourth season with the Yankees, Holmes has the second-highest ERA+ ever for a Yankees reliever with at least 160 appearances — behind [Hall of Famer] Mariano Rivera," wrote ESPN's Jorge Castillo. "He was effective again in 2023, his first full season in the role, with a 152 ERA+ in 66 appearances. But he has been even better in 2024."

Holmes' excellent pitching is one reason the Yankees bullpen hasn't backtracked this season.

In 2023, the Yankees posted the ninth-best ERA (3.97) in baseball but ranked second to last in batting average (.227). To solve the issues at the plate, New York dealt relief pitchers Michael King and Jhony Brito to the San Diego Padres for right fielder Juan Soto.

Despite the significant roster changes, the Yankees have the second-best bullpen ERA (2.69) in baseball behind the Cleveland Guardians, via Castillo.  

"This is why the Yankees are a dangerous team," longtime baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian recently said in a video posted to ESPN.com. "We know they're gonna hit. We know their starting pitching is way better than it was last year. But their bullpen has been a surprise. It has been tremendous so far."

If Holmes keeps flourishing, the 31-year-old should earn his second All-Star appearance. He could also help the Yankees (27-15) win the American League East and make a deep postseason run. 

As of Tuesday, FanDuel gives them the third-best World Series odds (+650) behind the Atlanta Braves (+450) and Los Angeles Dodgers (+290).