The New York Mets traded right-hander Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor to the Chicago Cubs for top infield prospect Jefferson Rojas, pending physicals. Holmes, 33, has not pitched since mid May after a comebacker fractured his right fibula but has made two rehab starts and holds a 2027 player option worth $12 million; the Mets signed him to a three-year, $38 million deal before the 2025 season when the club converted him from a reliever to a starter. Holmes made 31 starts in 2025, throwing 165 2/3 innings with a 3.53 ERA and 1.304 WHIP, and in 2026 he had a 2.39 ERA over nine starts while leading the Mets in innings at the time of his injury. Taylor has emerged as a useful fourth outfielder, hitting seven home runs in 48 at bats since returning from the injured list in late June and posting a .354/.435/.875 slash line in that span. Rojas, 21, hit a 114 wRC+ at Double A this season and is regarded as either the Cubs’ No. 1 or No. 2 prospect; evaluations note he may not stay at shortstop. The move continues the Mets’ sell-off and gives the Cubs a veteran starting option and bench outfielder as they push for a deep playoff run after also acquiring Kevin Gausman.
