MLB Insider Provides Telling Update on Clay Holmes

As the MLB trade deadline draws near, the New York Mets are believed to be in full sell mode. MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post revealed on Thursday that the team may be willing to deal one of their starting pitchers, as they are not currently discussing a contract extension with the hurler.

Starter Clay Holmes has been on the injured list for most of the season after suffering a fractured fibula against the New York Yankees in May. Before the injury, Holmes was one of the team's most consistent starters, posting a 4-4 record with a 2.39 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in nine starts.

Holmes signed with the Mets in the 2024-2025 offseason after spending the previous four seasons before that with the Yankees as a reliever. The Mets converted Holmes to a starter, with solid results in 2025, although his performance faded during the latter part of the year.

It was believed that the Mets would be interested in extending Holmes, as he has a player opt-out after this season and can become a free agent. He is on a very team-friendly deal, earning just over $12 million per year, and given his performance and perceived market value, he will almost certainly decline that option to test free agency.

Heyman reported that the two sides are not actively discussing an extension for Holmes, which likely means that the Mets are looking to deal the pitcher by the deadline on August 3. Holmes should garner plenty of attention, and Heyman reported that scouts for nearly every contender were in attendance at his recent rehab start.

Manager Andy Green said on Wednesday that Holmes is set to throw another bullpen session on Thursday, and that the team would make a decision with Holmes on where to go from there. Green hinted that Holmes' first start back in the majors could be with another club.

The Mets could always trade Holmes for assets and then re-sign him in the offseason, although this is a rare occurrence for players. Given that it was a leg injury and not his arm, anyone who trades for Holmes should be confident that they are receiving a fresh starter for the stretch run. Aside from names like Tarik Skubal, Kevin Gausman, and fellow Met Freddy Peralta, Holmes is easily one of the most sought-after names on this year's trade market.