Cubs trade for pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor in deal with Mets
Chicago acquired Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor from New York for in-field prospect Jefferson Rojas, pending a medical exam, as the Cubs add depth to a rotation hit by injuries.
The Chicago Cubs have agreed to receive right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the New York Mets in exchange for in-field prospect Jefferson Rojas, according to a report that the trade is subject to a medical review. Holmes, 33, posted a 2.39 ERA over nine starts before a fractured fibula ended his 2024 season. He signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets in December 2024 and can opt out of the $12 million owed for 2027. After posting a 3.53 ERA in 165 2/3 innings in 2025, Holmes has made three rehab starts and is expected to rejoin a rotation that the Cubs are rebuilding after numerous injuries.
Holmes relies heavily on a sinker, generating a ground-ball rate of 55.8 % since 2025, ranking fifth among qualified starters. While he does not excel at strikeouts or walk control, he limits home runs and barrel hits. The Cubs’ infield, featuring players such as Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman and Michael Busch, is projected to provide stronger defensive support than the Mets’ current lineup.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has added several pitchers in recent days, including Holmes and Kevin Gausman, to bolster a staff weakened by injuries. The new arrivals are expected to rotate with Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd, while other arms such as Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown and David Peterson add depth. The club also acquired right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Angels.
Taylor, a 32-year-old right-handed hitter, has been with the Mets since 2024 and can play all three outfield positions. He posted a 117 wRC+ in 159 plate appearances in 2026, hitting 10 home runs and showing strength against left-handed pitching. Both Taylor and Holmes will become free agents after the season.
Jefferson Rojas, the player the Mets receive, is a 21-year-old infielder graded 55 by MLB Pipeline and Baseball America. He can handle third base, shortstop and second base, and posted a 114 wRC+ in Double-A this year.
The trade adds to a series of moves by Hoyer, who has previously exchanged prospects such as Moises Ballesteros and Jonathon Long for established pitchers, aiming to keep the Cubs competitive for a wild-card position in the National League Central.