The New York Mets have traded starting pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor to the Chicago Cubs, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. The move comes as the Mets continue to underperform this season, sitting in last place in the NL East.
Clay Holmes has been on the 60-day IL since May 15 due to a fractured right fibula. Despite being on the IL, Holmes can still be traded, but must pass a physical with his new team for the trade to become official. He has been working his way back from his injury, recently having a rehab start with New York's Single-A affiliate in St. Lucie.
Holmes is currently in the second year of a three-year deal he signed ahead of the 2025 season. The pitcher can opt out after this season, but it would force him to forgo his $12 million salary for 2027. Before getting hurt, Holmes had made nine starts, tallying a 2.39 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 55 2/3 innings of work.
The Mets were expected to be a contender for the division title this season, but instead find themselves struggling to stay afloat. The team's underperformance has led to a series of trades, with Holmes being the latest to depart. He will now join the Cubs, where he will look to regain his form and contribute to the team's playoff push.
Tyrone Taylor, the outfielder traded to the Cubs, has played in 67 games this season for New York. He is slashing .241/.290/.503 with 10 home runs and 28 RBI. Taylor's departure will likely be felt by the Mets, who will need to find a replacement for his production.
The Cubs, meanwhile, are strengthening their roster ahead of the trade deadline. They will now have a new starting pitcher in Holmes, who is expected to throw around 75 pitches in his next start as he continues to ramp up. The Cubs are currently in second place in the NL Central, and the addition of Holmes could be a key move in their push for the playoffs.
Jefferson Rojas, a 21-year-old infielder, is headed to the Mets as part of the trade. He has played in 91 games for Chicago's Double-A affiliate, hitting .270 with 15 home runs and 57 RBI. Rojas will now join the Mets, where he will look to make an impact and contribute to the team's rebuilding efforts.
The trade is now official, pending Holmes' physical with the Cubs. If he passes, the trade will be completed, and Holmes will join his new team. The move marks a significant shift in the Mets' roster, and it remains to be seen how the team will adjust to the loss of Holmes.
Source: Yahoo Sports