Clay Holmes has chosen free agency, declining his $12 million player option for the 2027 season. This decision opens the door for the right-handed pitcher to potentially return to the New York Mets, the team that traded him to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline.
Holmes, 33, signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets after the 2024 season. He successfully transitioned from a relief pitcher for the Yankees to a starting pitcher. In 2025, Holmes posted a 3.53 ERA with 129 strikeouts over 165 2/3 innings. This season, he had a 2.39 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings over nine starts for the Mets before his trade.
His performance after the trade to the Cubs saw a slight dip, with a 4.25 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings across nine starts. Holmes' last start for the Mets was on May 15, where he sustained a fractured fibula. He debuted with the Cubs on August 8.
In exchange for Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor, the Mets acquired 21-year-old infielder Jefferson Rojas. Rojas is now considered the top prospect in the Mets' organization, according to MLB.com. He hit .280 with a .929 OPS, nine home runs, and 29 RBIs in 29 games for Double-A Binghamton and hit three home runs with seven RBIs in six games for Triple-A Syracuse.
The Mets are reportedly looking to bolster their starting pitching this winter and could be among the teams pursuing top free agents like Tarik Skubal. Michael King is also mentioned as a potential target for the club.