The Chicago Cubs have acquired pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the New York Mets, according to multiple reports. In exchange, the Mets will receive infielder Jefferson Rojas, the Cubs' second-ranked prospect.
Holmes, a converted reliever now pitching as a starter, was in the midst of a strong season for the Mets before fracturing his fibula on a comebacker in mid-May. He posted a 2.39 ERA across nine starts prior to the injury. Holmes has since begun a minor-league rehabilitation assignment, throwing 6 1/3 innings. He is under contract with a $12 million player option for 2027, though reports indicated no extension discussions had taken place, making a trade likely before the deadline.
Prior to joining the Mets as a free agent before the 2025 season, Holmes spent his career as a reliever with the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees from 2019 through 2024. In 2025, he made 31 starts in 33 appearances, logging 165 2/3 innings with a 3.53 ERA.
Taylor, an eight-year veteran, joined the Mets in 2024 after beginning his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. This season, he has played in 67 games, batting .241/.290/.503 with 10 home runs and 18 extra-base hits in 159 plate appearances. He has an .900 OPS against left-handed pitching.
Rojas, 21, is considered both a third baseman and a shortstop. He was ranked as a top-100 prospect by MLB Pipeline prior to the 2026 season and has spent the current season at Double-A, where he is hitting .270/.339/.461. He ranks second among Cubs prospects.
The Cubs' rotation also recently added Kevin Gausman before the trade deadline.