ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MAY 3: Clay Holmes #35 of the New York Mets walks to the dugout prior to a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 3, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
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The New York Mets are one of the few sure-fire sellers at this point before the MLB trade deadline, putting several veterans under the spotlight as potential chips for opposing contenders searching to fortify going into October.
Among the most intriguing names on the Mets’ trade block is former New York Yankees All-Star Clay Holmes, whose value could rise quickly if he proves healthy enough to return before the deadline. Holmes was named an All-Star twice in his Yankees tenure as a reliever, and he has successfully transitioned into a starter for the Mets.
But after missing more than two months with a broken fibula, Holmes is working toward his late-season return, making his contract situation one of the organization’s biggest storylines.
Holmes added another layer of intrigue this week when he was asked for an update on contract negotiations with the Mets.
“I don’t think there’s been a ton there,” Holmes said, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. “He also recently made his first rehab appearance at Triple-A, allowing two runs over 2 1/3 innings after being sidelined since May 15.”
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Holmes’ comments reinforce growing speculation that his future could lie elsewhere before the trade deadline arrives.
“Clay Holmes could be activated from the injured list after making one more rehab start. Whether he’s still with the Mets when he returns remains to be seen,” Thomas Harrigan wrote for MLB.com. “Likely to decline his $12 million player option to become a free agent at the end of the season, Holmes is one of the top trade chips for a Mets team that’s a clear Trade Deadline seller.”
That timeline creates an interesting decision for New York’s front office. If Holmes completes another successful rehab outing, contenders could view him as one of the most attractive bullpen or rotation reinforcements available despite his lengthy absence.
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Though the Mets have no choice but to give up on contention this season, recent history suggests that they will expect to contend for the division as soon as next year. But even with that optimism, it makes more sense to trade Holmes away before the deadline this year.
“There’s been some speculation that the Mets could look to sign Holmes to a new contract before the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline, but the right-hander told reporters on Thursday that he hasn’t engaged in substantive extension discussions with the club,” Harrigan added.
The former Yankees closer established himself as one of the American League’s top relievers before joining the Mets with an intention to start games. That transition has been one of the bright spots in some disappointing seasons for the Mets as a whole.
But with no meaningful progress toward an extension and the Mets committed to selling ahead of the deadline, Holmes’ comments suggest both sides understand that a trade remains a realistic possibility. His next rehab start could ultimately determine whether he finishes the season in Queens or returns to the pennant race with another contender.