Clay Holmes has shown significant promise as a pitcher for the New York Mets, particularly with his latest outing where he effectively managed five innings, showcasing a new pitch in his arsenal that allows him to be more unpredictable to hitters. Despite initial skepticism about his transition from closer to starter, his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, especially against the Minnesota Twins, indicates he could be a valuable asset for the Mets moving forward.

On the offensive side, Pete Alonso is excelling, especially with runners in scoring position, contributing significantly to a struggling lineup. However, the Mets are still grappling with the fewest runs scored among division leaders, emphasizing the need for other players like Mark Vientos to step up. Despite a slow start, there's hope that Vientos’ recent hit could spark a turnaround. The Mets will need to find consistency in both pitching and batting as the season progresses.

As the 2025 MLB season kicks off, the New York Mets find themselves at a balanced 2-2 record after their first four games. Fans are optimistic as the lineup shows potential with standout performances from players like Pete Alonso, who hit a grand slam, and the newly acquired Juan Soto. The pitching rotation has had mixed results, but David Peterson's nine strikeouts in a recent game provide hope for the team's depth. Despite some struggles in the bullpen, Klay Holmes is expected to improve as he finds his rhythm. With spring training behind them, the focus now shifts to how the team will perform against rivals, especially with the home opener approaching.

The podcast kicks off with discussion on Clay Holmes, emphasizing his impressive spring training performance as the New York Mets' opening day starter. Analysts are intrigued by whether he can maintain an ERA under 3.25 over a full season given his transition to a starting role. The conversation then shifts to Brett Baty, where opinions diverge on whether he'll start over 100 games this season due to competition within the lineup. JJ discusses Austin Wells, asserting that with his strong second-half performance last season and being the Yankees' leadoff hitter, he has a good shot at hitting over 25 home runs this year. The episode wraps with a debate around the Yankees and Mets' projected win totals, with both teams facing significant challenges regarding injuries and lineup consistency.

Clay Holmes has officially been named the opening day starter for the New York Mets, a surprising shift given his previous role as a closer for the New York Yankees. Despite impressive spring training stats, concerns linger about his transition to a starter's workload, having only pitched 63 innings last season compared to the expected 150 this year. The Mets need to manage his innings carefully to avoid burnout, especially early in the season.

Brett Baty's performance in spring training raises hopes for his consistency at the major league level. Baty has shown impressive power and defensive skills but struggles with confidence when transitioning to the big leagues. At 25, this might be the year he breaks through and maintains his productive form. The Mets' management will need to support him effectively to realize his full potential.

As the fantasy baseball draft season heats up, there are ten players trending in different directions that fantasy owners need to know. Gavin Williams, a pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, is rapidly rising up draft boards due to a stellar spring performance, boasting significant strikeouts and a low ERA, making him a desirable late-round pick. Meanwhile, Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox is falling amidst uncertainty regarding his role and health issues, prompting owners to think twice before selecting him. Other players like Clay Holmes and Robert Suarez are also featured, with Holmes showing promise during spring training, while Suarez's poor performance raises questions about his reliability.

Additionally, emerging stars like James Wood of the Washington Nationals demonstrate immense potential, making them enticing selections for fantasy squads. The analysis also touches on players like Spencer Steer, who faces injury concerns, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, whose spring performance has caught attention but should be approached cautiously due to lineup uncertainties. As the draft approaches, understanding these trends can provide an edge in assembling a competitive team.