The New York Mets have traded pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor to the Chicago Cubs, according to a report by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal also includes the acquisition of infield prospect Jefferson Rojas by the Mets. This move is part of the Mets' broader strategy of selling off players ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, signaling a focus on future development after a challenging start to the season.
Holmes, 33, has a 2.39 ERA across nine starts this season. He recently completed his rehabilitation from a broken leg, throwing four shutout innings in his second rehab outing on July 28. Holmes previously played for the Yankees for four years, joining them in 2021. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011, he made his major league debut in April 2018. He spent four seasons in Pittsburgh before earning an All-Star selection as a reliever with the Yankees in 2022. The Mets converted Holmes into a starting pitcher, and he holds a record of 16-12 with a 3.26 ERA over 42 appearances (40 starts) since the beginning of the 2025 season. He has a $12 million player option for the 2027 season.
Tyrone Taylor is experiencing a resurgent season, posting an .794 OPS with 10 home runs, making him one of the Mets' more productive hitters. This trade marks Holmes' first time playing for a team outside of New York City since 2021.
Mets pitcher Clay Holmes pitches in the first inning when the Mets played the New York Yankees on May 15.
Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor connects on a home run during a game against the Miami Marlins.
