New York Mets Plan to Trade Clay Holmes and Bring Him Back in the Offseason

The New York Mets are considering the possibility of trading Clay Holmes while leaving room to bring him back in the offseason. The club is preparing to act actively before the MLB trade deadline on August 3, 2026, and Holmes could be a key player in negotiations. In the podcast The Show, New York Post insider Joel Sherman suggested that Mets owner Steve Cohen might use a "trade and return" strategy for Holmes.

"This is Steve Cohen. Trade him and sign him back," noted Sherman in a conversation with Jon Heyman.

Holmes is likely to opt out of the final year of his contract after a successful return to the starting rotation, making him appealing for trade.

Why Holmes’ Value Remains High

Before the injury, a broken leg in May, Holmes was having one of the best periods of his career. He posted an ERA of 2.39 over nine starts and was on track for his first All-Star Game selection as a starting pitcher. Finishing the 2025 season with a record of 12-8 and an ERA of 3.53, he validated his success, making him a desirable acquisition target.

The Possibility of Holmes Returning to the Mets

According to Sherman, a trade does not mean that the Mets are closing the door on Holmes’ return. New York can maximize his value by receiving promising players and then attempt to renegotiate his contract in the offseason. The new contract could include a significant raise from the current $12 million, reportedly reaching up to $22 million on average per year, putting him in line with veterans such as Seth Lugo and Luis Severino.

Impact of the Strategy on Pitching

Such a move could strengthen the team's pitching position for the future, leaving options open for signing other players. The New York Mets have the chance to profit from the trade now and still return one of their key players later, which could be a beneficial decision for the club.