The Chicago Cubs have strengthened their roster once again, acquiring another starting pitcher in a trade that required them to part with one of their top prospects.
After adding left-hander David Peterson from the New York Mets in June, Chicago reached another deal with New York on Monday to bring in right-hander Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor.
In exchange, the Mets received highly regarded infielder Jefferson Rojas, who was ranked as the Cubs’ No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline.
The move signals Chicago’s continued push to reinforce its roster ahead of the postseason while New York adds a promising young talent for the future.
Holmes is currently on the 60-day injured list as he recovers from a fractured right fibula suffered in May, but he is nearing a return after beginning a rehab assignment.
Before the injury, the veteran right-hander had excelled with a 2.39 ERA across nine starts, continuing his successful transition to a starting role after posting a 3.26 ERA over 218⅓ innings since joining the Mets’ rotation.
Taylor also gives the Cubs added versatility, providing a right-handed bat capable of playing all three outfield positions.
The 33-year-old Holmes is expected to decline his $12 million player option for 2027 in favor of free agency, making both he and Taylor likely short-term additions.
Meanwhile, Rojas heads to New York after an impressive Double-A season in which the 21-year-old hit .270 with 15 home runs and 19 doubles, showcasing the power that made him one of Chicago’s top prospects.
