Cubs' All-Star trade addition likely to opt-out of $38M deal

The Chicago Cubs acquired some major pitching upgrades at the MLB trade deadline, as their current rotation and bullpen options were getting a bit thin by the August 3 deadline.

There were some interesting upgrades to the roster, but the most important one was the Clay Holmes trade. Acquired from the New York Mets alongside Tyrone Taylor, Holmes has been great for the Cubs.

However, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com is reporting that it would be a "shock" if Holmes didn't opt out of his $38 million contract and hit free agency following the 2026 season, instead of returning to the Mets for $12 million in 2027.

Cubs' Clay Holmes likely to opt out of $38M deal

"Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets before the 2025 season with the idea of moving into the rotation, an experiment that has been a huge success," Feinsand writes. "It would be a shock if Holmes didn't opt out to test the free-agent market."

Holmes has blossomed into a great starting pitcher, posting a 3.53 ERA in 31 starts during the 2025 season, and now a 2.26 ERA in 12 starts during the 2026 MLB season.

In four outings with the Cubs, Holmes has a 1.96 ERA, though only a 1-2 record. But in 23 innings with the Cubs, Holmes has been fantastic and might be one of their top starters come the postseason.

It would be ideal if he stuck with the Cubs into 2027, but this report from Feinsand should not come as a huge surprise.

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After putting up such impressive numbers this season, Holmes could be lined up for a major payday this winter, likely well beyond the $12 million he'd receive in 2027 if he didn't opt out of his current deal.

Holmes is likely to join the slew of pitchers from the Cubs hitting free agency this offseason. It's a shame, but this was always going to be the reality for the Cubs after they acquired Holmes at the MLB trade deadline.

Still, if Holmes can help the Cubs make a deep postseason run, the expensive rental will have been worth it. Besides, if things go well, the Cubs might wind up convincing Holmes to stay, not via him opting in, but with a larger extension.

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