Mets' Clay Holmes on MLB trade deadline bubble, seeks extension

The New York Mets may be prepping for a complete roster teardown, but starting pitcher Clay Holmes recently signaled his desire to remain with the franchise during the pending rebuild.

The 33-year-old right-hander, who holds a $12 million player option for 2027, appeared willing to discuss the possibility of a contract extension.

“Definitely open,” Holmes told The Athletic. “I know things are not the easiest right now and hard, but it’s not like I’m sitting here hoping to run away from it. If I can be part of the solution to make things better here, I would like that."

Thirteen days from the MLB trade deadline, Holmes remains on the trade bubble, but new reports suggest a trade is a more likely short-term option over an extension.

The Mets could be holding an ace card.

With the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins remaining on the fringe of the playoff chase, the two AL Central rivals could decide to keep their No. 1 starters, Tarik Skubal and Joe Ryan.

Mets' Clay Holmes remains top trade target

If that scenario develops, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns could dangle Holmes as the top de facto starter on the trade market. They could be in a position to sell high.

On rehab assignment, Holmes certainly will bring added attention to the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones. On injured reserve since mid-May when he absorbed a comebacker and endured a fractured right fibula, Holmes is expected to be ready to return near the Aug. 3 deadline. 

In nine starts this season, Holmes (4-4) posted a 2.39 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 52.2 innings. With Stearns' history of passing on pitcher extensions, a deadline deal could materialize.

More: SP Joe Ryan, on MLB trade bubble, yields six homers, most Twins history

Holmes is competing in the second of a three-year, $38 million deal. He could opt out of the remaining $12 million in his deal and hit free agency after the season.

He expressed interest in signing an extension, but Stearns has historically been reluctant to negotiate such deals with pitchers.

Freddy Peralta and Brooks Raley, who figure to be rentals, could prove to be easy deals for Stearns to execute. Luke Weaver is another heavily scouted candidate, but the biggest haul could develop through a deal for Holmes. 

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