Report Adds Another BIG Trade Chip to NY Mets Deadline Fire Sale, But It’s Not Francisco Alvarez
· Yahoo Sports
A prominent MLB insider believes it is highly likely the New York Mets will trade Clay Holmes before the Aug. 3 deadline. Giving them another worthwhile trade chip for their fire sale.
The Mets have followed up a disastrous finish to the 2025 season with even more awful play this year. Heading into their game on Tuesday against the league-leading Milwaukee Brewers, New York owns a sad 42-59 record, which is the fourth-worst in all of MLB. With 13 days until the MLB trade deadline, the Mets are one of the most obvious sellers.
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In recent days, the expectation has been that pitchers like Freddy Peralta, AJ Minter, Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, and even former No. 1 prospect Francisco Alvarez could be moved to improve the team’s farm system and roster for 2027. However, Clay Holmes is another name to look out for.
Holmes is expected to return from a right fibula fracture soon after the deadline. The Mets would like to keep him, but he is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract after the season. The club is reportedly interested in signing him to a new deal, but USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale doesn’t see that happening, and it’s why he predicts the reliever turned starter will be moved over the next couple of weeks.
“He expressed interest in signing a long-term extension, but David Stearns, Mets president of baseball operations, has been reluctant to give out long-term deals to pitchers.”
– Bob Nightengale
What could the NY Mets get in a Clay Holmes trade?
Holmes is a very intriguing trade candidate that would appeal to a large variety of teams. In his return to being a starter in 2025, he pitched well in the first half before hitting a wall and looking exhausted in the final months of the season. He bounced back from the rough finish to post a 2.38 ERA in 52.2 innings before he broke his leg this season.
For clubs that don’t want to invest money long-term, since he is sure to test free agency after the season, he can be a rental for the second half. For clubs that could use versatility and someone they can trust out of the bullpen during the playoffs, Holmes’ two All-Star appearances came as a closer for the New York Yankees. So he would be a nice postseason addition to the pen if there isn’t room as a starter on a playoff roster.
So what could the Mets get in a potential trade for Holmes? While he won’t get a big return, they can still potentially land one or two top-100 prospects from an interested team. Or meaningful relievers to replenish the pen for next season, assuming they trade Minter, Raley, or Weaver.