Cubs continue playoff push by acquiring Clay Holmes, Tyrone Taylor

The Chicago Cubs continued to revamp their pitching staff while adding more depth to the outfield in a trade with the New York Mets.

Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Cubs acquired pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor. In exchange, the Mets will receive infielder Jefferson Rojas.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale linked Holmes to the Cubs on Saturday. Holmes had been one of the hotter pitchers available on the trade market despite being on the Injured List due to a fractured fibula. He had posted a 2.39 ERA and a 1.101 WHiP over his 52.2 innings, striking out 45 batters with 18 walks.

Taylor gives the Cubs an excellent defensive option as a fourth outfielder. He has posted a career-best .241/.290/.503 batting line in his 159 plate appearances, hitting 10 homers and eight doubles. Taylor has been a strong defensive option at all three outfield spots during his career and should give the Cubs a strong defensive option during the latter innings.

Clay Holmes latest addition as Chicago Cubs revamp pitching staff

The Cubs paid a steep price to add Holmes and Taylor. MLB.com listed Rojas as the Cubs' second-best prospect and the 63rd best prospect in baseball. He is viewed as being at least average in every aspect with excellent baseball instincts, a strong eye at the plate and excellent contact skills. While there are some questions as to Rojas' long-term defensive home, he has spent most of the 2026 season at third, where his strong throwing arm and quickness play up.

The Cubs pitching staff has been decimated by injuries. Cade Horton has been lost for the season. Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown are working their way back while Justin Steele could return as a relief arm. Adding Holmes, Kevin Gausman and Braxton Garrett should bolster their chances for the postseason.