Cubs trade top prospect Jefferson Rojas to Mets for pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor
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Cubs trade top prospect Jefferson Rojas to Mets for pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor

Summary

Chicago acquired right-hander Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from New York in exchange for top-100 prospect Jefferson Rojas, pending a medical exam for Holmes.

Chicago completed a trade with the New York Mets, receiving right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor in exchange for infield prospect Jefferson Rojas. The transaction is subject to a medical review, as Holmes is currently on the injured list after a broken right fibula sustained in May.

Holmes, 33, posted a 2.39 ERA over nine starts before his injury, posting a career ground-ball rate of 62 percent and allowing only three home runs in 52 innings this season. He has made three rehab appearances for the Brooklyn Cyclones and is reportedly ready for activation. The Cubs hope his sinker-heavy approach will complement their infield defense.

Taylor, 32, is a versatile backup outfielder who has hit .241 with ten home runs in 67 games this year and has shown a recent surge, batting .354 with seven homers in his last 24 games. He can play all three outfield positions and adds speed to the roster.

Both players will become free agents after the season. The Mets receive Jefferson Rojas, a 21-year-old prospect who posted a .270/.339/.461 line with 15 home runs in Double-A Knoxville. Rojas has primarily played third base for Chicago but is considered a potential starting infielder.

The trade reflects Chicago’s depth at infield positions, with Pedro Ramirez and Matt Shaw projected to carry the role, allowing the club to pursue pitching and outfield depth.

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