Sep 16, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes (35) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Clay Holmes saw the writing on the wall, and now it has become a reality. The Mets sent the veteran starting pitcher, along with reserve outfielder Tyrone Taylor, to the Chicago Cubs for their No. 2 prospect, Jefferson Rojas.
The return is the Mets’ most prominent acquisition at this trade deadline, as David Stearns has gutted one of Major League Baseball’s most disappointing teams this season. Holmes is the second starting pitcher dealt away, joining Freddy Peralta, while Taylor is the first non-pitcher moved by the club. Stearns had already dealt away relievers AJ Minter, Huascar Brazoban, Brooks Raley, and Luke Weaver.
Holmes is on the cusp of returning to the majors after recovering from a broken leg suffered in May on a line drive from Spencer Jones of the Yankees. It interrupted what was going to be a career year, as he owned a 2.39 ERA across nine starts — his second season with the Mets and as a starter after transitioning from a late-inning reliever with the Yankees.
With a player option for 2027 that he was always going to decline given his production, Holmes saw little progress in extension talks, which he had hoped would come to fruition in Queens. He admitted last week that a trade was the most likely course of action, then went on to make one more rehab start with High-A Brooklyn on Sunday despite saying he was “more than ready” to get back to the majors.
Joining Holmes in Chicago will be Taylor, who used a ridiculous stretch to catapult his trade value for teams in need of outfield depth. His value was always high given his defensive acumen, but then he hit seven home runs with 14 RBI in his last 41 at-bats, including three-run round-trippers on consecutive days against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves last week.
Entering the Mets’ ever-expanding farm system is the 21-year-old Rojas, who is capable of playing both third base and shortstop. In what is his first full season in Double-A, he is slashing .270/.339/.461 (.800 OPS) with 15 home runs, 57 RBI, and 17 stolen bases in 91 games.
For more on Clay Holmes and the Mets, visit AMNY.com
