bleacherreport
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are among seven clubs that have evaluated New York Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Holmes, who suffered a fractured right fibula in mid-May, is currently rehabbing and has been throwing in minor league games.
According to Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, and Katie Woo of The Athletic, two executives who watched Holmes's latest rehab outing on Tuesday night described him as 'big-league ready.' Scouts from the Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Arizona Diamondbacks were present in Dunedin, Florida, to assess the right-hander, who has been sidelined since mid-May.
Pitching for Single-A St. Lucie, Holmes tossed four scoreless innings on 59 pitches. His next start is scheduled for August 2, one day before the trade deadline, though it remains uncertain whether that appearance will be for the Mets or another organization.
Performance and Contract Details
Holmes has made nine MLB starts this season, posting a 4-4 record with a 2.39 ERA and 45 strikeouts over 52.2 innings. The nine-year veteran previously served as a reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees from 2018 to 2024, earning All-Star selections in 2022 and 2024 while closing for the Yankees. In 2025, he signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Mets (including a $12 million player option for 2027) to transition to a starting role. He excelled in that capacity, going 12-8 with a 3.53 ERA in 33 games (31 starts) and 129 strikeouts in 165.2 innings.
Holmes has continued his strong performance as a starter in 2026, making him an attractive target for contenders. The last-place Mets, with a 46-62 record, are expected to be sellers at the deadline. Per SNY's Chelsea Janes, the Mets have informed teams that all players except Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, Christian Scott, Nolan McLean, and Juan Soto are available. As a result, Holmes could soon be heading to a playoff contender.
Originally reported by bleacherreport.