Part 2/6:
Holmes reflected on his long-standing ambition to be a starter, revealing that the idea had been on his mind throughout his career. Even as far back as late 2020, he entertained the notion of pitching as a starter abroad. As the 2023 season unfolded, he found himself experimenting with new pitches during bullpens, allowing him to rekindle his passion for starting. The offseason brought serious interest from multiple teams, but ultimately, the Mets provided an opportunity he did not want to miss.
“I didn’t want to look back at the end of my career and say, ‘What could have come from that?’” Holmes remarked. He highlighted the importance of staying in New York and playing for a team with such a rich history and fan support.