The Chicago Cubs need a starting pitcher at this year's trade deadline, and the New York Mets could match up well for a trade.
The Mets are clearly sellers at this year's deadline, and Clay Holmes could be a player that interests the Cubs. He has a $12 million player option for next season, and he would be wise to decline that in search of more money on the open market. Holmes signed with the Mets as a starter after serving as a reliever for years. He had a 3.53 ERA in his first year, making 31 starts.
He had a 2.39 ERA through nine starts this year, but landed on the injured list after taking a comebacker off the leg and fracturing his fibula. He was having a great year before an unlucky injury. The Mets could look to extend him, but according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, a trade is more likely.
Holmes did not suffer an arm injury, so his production after returning should not drop off. His arm should be fresher than other starters on the trade block. He was scheduled to make a rehab start earlier this week, but rain prevented that. He threw a 45-pitch bullpen instead. He is scheduled to make a rehab start on Thursday.
He should be built back up for a full workload by the time the postseason rolls around, and the Cubs could use him. Justin Steele may not be ready to rejoin the rotation considering how late in the year he could be ready, and Cade Horton is out for the year. Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown are also currently on the injured list.
The Cubs need to improve the rotation if they want to make a deep run, and Holmes would do that. He should be viewed as a rental, so he may not cost much. There's no reason for him to exercise a $12 million option.