Amidst both trade and extension rumors, Clay Holmes is taking another massive step towards a return from a fractured right fibula that he suffered on a line drive off the bat of New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones on May 15.
The High-A Brooklyn Cyclones announced that Holmes is set to begin his rehab assignment with a start on Saturday night against Hudson Valley at Maimonides Park. The right-hander threw 40 pitches in live batting practice on July 10 and also completed a live bullpen session on Tuesday, per The Athletic’s Will Sammon, who added that several clubs are expected to scout his upcoming outing for the Cyclones two-and-a-half weeks out from the August 3 trade deadline.
Furthermore, SNY’s Chelsea Janes reported that the Mets and Holmes are anticipated to open talks on a new deal over the coming days after he recently stated that he’s open to re-upping with the team.
The 33-year-old has a $12 million player option for the 2027 season. Should New York opt to hold onto Holmes at the deadline and not sign him to an extension before he declines that option, the team would have the right to extend the qualifying offer for right around $23 million.
One of the Mets’ bright spots in the early part of the year, Holmes logged a 2.39 ERA across nine starts totaling 52 2/3 innings before going down with his injury. A two-time All-Star closer with the Yankees who transitioned to the rotation after signing a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets in December 2024, he finished the 2025 campaign with a 3.53 ERA over 165 2/3 innings.
With an intention to compete next season and an incomplete rotation surrounding the likes of Nolan McLean and Christian Scott, retaining a quality arm like Holmes would go a long way towards fortifying the roster moving forward.
At the same time, New York could have the chance to cash in by trading Holmes in what looks to be shaping up as a seller’s market. Should his rehab assignment go swimmingly with no snags, he’d become one of the top starters available and thus bring back a potentially sizable return as one of the many arms the Mets may shop over the next few weeks.
