3 Trade Landing Spots For Mets' Clay Holmes

The New York Mets are sellers, and Clay Holmes has become one of the most intriguing arms on the market.

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, while the possibility remains that the Mets and Holmes agree to an extension, there is a significantly greater likelihood of a trade, according to people familiar with the situation.

That is despite Holmes telling The Athletic's Will Sammon and Tim Britton that he is "definitely open" to staying in New York.

At 43-60 and 9.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, the Mets are well outside the postseason picture.

Holmes was excellent before a fractured fibula ended his season on May 15, when he was struck by a line drive, posting a 2.39 ERA with 45 strikeouts across 52.2 innings in nine starts.

The 33-year-old signed a three-year, $38 million deal before 2025 and holds a $12 million player option for 2027 he is all but certain to decline, making him effectively a rental. Here are three fits.

Texas Rangers

The AL West-leading Rangers could use Holmes in the middle of their rotation as they chase their first playoff appearance since winning the 2023 World Series.

A move to the AL West could also help his strikeout numbers, as three of the four Rangers' division opponents rank in the top 10 for most strikeouts by their batters.

For a Texas club with a strong roster and a clear window, adding a two-time All-Star at a modest acquisition cost makes sense.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox surged into the playoff picture with a huge winning streak and have been linked to depth starters.

Holmes would pair with Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray, and if Garrett Crochet returns in the second half, Boston would suddenly have one of the best rotations in the American League.

A package built around two top-20 prospects has been floated as the kind of return that could get it done.

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox are the wild card here.

Per Bob Nightengale, Chicago special assistant Nick Hostetler was sent to keep tabs on Holmes as he works his way back.

The complicating factor for every suitor is that Holmes has not pitched since May 15, which limits the Mets' leverage.

With a rehab assignment expected to begin soon, interested clubs will get to see him in action before the August 3 deadline arrives.