The New York Mets could end up re-signing a key star they just traded away. After enduring a disastrous season, top Mets exec David Stearns opted to ship out several players ahead of the deadline. One of the more notable moves by New York was sending Clay Holmes, along with Tyrone Taylor, to the Chicago Cubs for prospect Jefferson Rojas.
Holmes previously signed with the Mets in December 2024 as a free agent. Stearns rewarded the star with a three-year, $38 million contract at the time. Despite typically being used out of the bullpen, New York transitioned him to a starter in 2025. The move paid off. Holmes recorded a 3.25 ERA in 42 total games with the Queens club. New York would have clearly preferred to keep the veteran pitcher, but a collapse forced the club to have an eye on the future.
Nevertheless, the New York Mets may be able to acquire Holmes as early as this winter. The Athletic’s Andy McCullough was recently asked about the likelihood of Stearns re-signing players he just traded, most notably the converted starter. “I don’t think the trade closes the door for a reunion between Holmes and the Mets,” claimed McCullough. “He was comfortable in New York, having pitched well as both a Met and a Yankee.
“He appreciated the Mets taking a chance on him as a starter. I suspect if the Mets offer him the most money, which Steve Cohen has not shied away from authorizing, they have a chance. But this winter will be hard to predict, especially with a lockout looming.”
Clay Holmes Shows Appreciation to the New York Mets
GettyClay Holmes enjoyed personal success with the New York Mets, despite the team’s failures.
As McCullough alludes to, Holmes certainly appeared to have enjoyed his time with the New York Mets. Following his move to Chicago, the pitcher posted a heartfelt message on social media. The new Cub proclaimed that he is “grateful for every lesson” he learned in the significant career adjustment in Queens. He also made a point to acknowledge die-hard Mets fans.
“To the fans, thank you,” wrote Holmes. “You welcomed me and my wife from day one, supported us through the highs and the lows, and truly made New York feel like home. Wearing a Mets uniform was something I’ll always be proud of.”
Although the New York Mets gave Holmes a three-year contract ahead of the 2025 campaign, 2027 is a $12 million player option. Due to his successful transition as a starting pitcher, the veteran should receive a significant long-term contract this winter. This is, of course, assuming he recovers from a serious leg injury and pitches fairly well in Chicago. The former Met is expected to return to action this weekend.
New York Looking to Compete Again Next Year
Potentially re-signing Holmes later this year would be an unusually smart bit of business by the New York Mets. Assuming the deal works out, Stearns would have essentially rented the ace to Chicago in return for Rojas.
The versatile infielder was the second-rated prospect in the Cubs organization before the move. He slashed .270/.339/.461 in 91 games with AA-Iowa in 2026. While New York completed several trades in early August, the Mets kept their core players together. The Mets remain hopeful of a bounce-back year in 2027.
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