The New York Mets and veteran pitcher Clay Holmes are already being mentioned in early trade speculation ahead of the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline.
According to MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided, Holmes could emerge as a possible trade candidate if the Mets continue struggling this season.
While Murray noted it is still very early and the Mets have not officially declared themselves sellers, their disappointing start has fueled growing discussion around potential roster moves.
The Mets signed Holmes to a three-year, $38 million contract during the 2024 offseason, and the move has largely paid off.
The right-hander has been outstanding to begin the 2026 campaign, posting a 4-2 record with a stellar 1.69 ERA and 31 strikeouts across 42.2 innings.
Since arriving in Queens, Holmes has recorded a 3.15 ERA with 160 strikeouts in more than 200 innings dating back to the start of the 2025 season.
One of the Mets’ biggest decisions was converting Holmes back into a starting pitcher after he spent four years with the New York Yankees primarily as a reliever and closer.
Although Holmes had success in the Yankees’ bullpen, the Mets believed his arsenal could translate effectively into a full-time starting role — something he had not consistently done since his days with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019. So far, that gamble appears to be working.
Murray also noted that Holmes drew heavy interest during free agency, and his impressive production with the Mets has likely increased his value even more.
Entering May, the Mets sit at 13-22 and remain well behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves in the NL East standings.
While New York has shown signs of improvement recently, including a series win over the Los Angeles Angels, they still face an uphill battle in both the division and Wild Card race.
The Mets now head into an important four-game series against the Colorado Rockies after a rainout postponed the opener.
If the team cannot build momentum and climb back into contention, speculation surrounding Holmes and other potential trade pieces is expected to intensify.
Should the Mets continue to slide in the standings and eventually shift into seller mode, Holmes would likely become one of the most sought-after pitchers available at the trade deadline, making him a player rival teams will closely monitor over the coming months.
