As expected, Clay Holmes was ultimately traded by the New York Mets, with the move confirmed by Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Holmes is now a member of the Chicago Cubs, reshaping the Mets’ starting rotation in Queens.
Interim manager Andy Green will now have to rely on other names for the final stretch of the season. Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and Kodai Senga will be the pitchers taking the mound as starters for the Mets.
According to the insider’s announcement on X, another player heading to Chicago is Tyrone Taylor. In this way, New York is beginning to shape its roster in an effort to make a push and secure a Wild Card spot.
The intriguing Mets-Cubs trade
The New York Mets are acquiring top prospect Jefferson Rojas from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor. Rojas, a highly regarded infielder rated as one of the top prospects in Chicago’s system, comes to New York as the centerpiece of the deal, which remains pending physical examinations, according to Jon Heyman.
Jefferson Rojas #93 of the Chicago Cubs points skyward after hitting a home run.
Mets’ big loss following the Holmes trade
By trading Clay Holmes, the Mets lose a highly reliable rotation arm who was delivering elite productivity before suffering a fractured right fibula on May 15. Prior to his injury, Holmes posted a stellar 2.39 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and a 4–4 record with 45 strikeouts across 52.2 innings pitched (9 starts) in 2026.
Losing his efficiency leaves a notable void in New York’s pitching depth, as he had established himself as one of their most effective starting pitchers before being sidelined.
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The Mets’ departures so far
At the 2026 trade deadline, the New York Mets operated as full sellers, trading away several key contributors on expiring contracts to restock their farm system. The departures were headlined by starting pitchers Clay Holmes (Chicago Cubs) and Freddy Peralta (Tampa Bay Rays), alongside high-leverage relievers A.J. Minter (Minnesota Twins), Brooks Raley (Philadelphia Phillies), Luke Weaver (Pittsburgh Pirates), and Huascar Brazoban (Chicago White Sox).
On the position player side, outfielder Tyrone Taylor joined Holmes in the deal to Chicago, while catcher Ben Rortvedt was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Additionally, the team cleared 40-man roster spots by designating players like outfielder MJ Melendez for assignment.
