Mets Make Clay Holmes Announcement

Holmes has been throwing on flat ground as of late and will now progress to mound work this week. This is a significant step for Holmes, who is expected to draw trade interest ahead of the August 3 MLB trade deadline.

Holmes, whether he is back from the injured list by the deadline or not, should be the Mets' most attractive trade chip next to fellow starter Freddy Peralta. Before fracturing his fibula after being hit by a Spencer Jones comebacker on May 15, Holmes was the Mets' best starter this season, pitching to a 2.39 ERA across nine starts and 52.2 innings.

As reported by Chelsea Janes of SNY, Holmes had another X-Ray on his leg recently and everything checked out well. He will not require a full spring training-like ramp up before returning to the Mets.

The veteran reliever turned starter is in his second season with the Mets after signing a three-year, $38 million deal in the 2024-2025 offseason. He is the former closer of the New York Yankees and became a starter when he signed with the Mets. Last year, Holmes had a 12-8 record, 3.53 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 129 strikeouts in 165.2 innings and 33 appearances (31 starts).

Holmes has a $12 million player option for 2027. For that, the Mets would be wise to move him in a deal while his trade value his high.

Holmes, 33, should be able to help a contender's starting rotation down the stretch of the season as long as he is healthy. The Mets have a 35-50 record on the season, fired manager Carlos Mendoza last week, and appear destined to be sellers at this summer's deadline.