​Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe New York Mets must sign Clay Holmes first this offseason. Waiting for a top-tier ace like Tarik Skubal is a mistake that could leave the starting rotation thin. According to Sports Illustrated, adding a reliable mid-rotation starter early allows the team to secure a need before the market gets tight.The front office cannot afford to wait until prices rise, as they seem to do every year. This move sets the stage for the rest of the winter.The Rotation Needs Help NowDavid Stearns knows the starting group is not ready. In his end-of-season press conference, he called adding to the rotation “necessary.” He noted that teams need ten to twelve starters across the majors and minors to survive a full season. The Mets have young arms, but they still need two big-league starters, including an ace.While Tarik Skubal is the dream target, players of his caliber sign later in the offseason. The Mets should not wait on him to make their first move. A quick signing of a proven arm like Holmes solves the immediate problem.Why Clay Holmes Fits BestClay Holmes is the best fit because he is already familiar with the team. After a season and a half of success in New York, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs. Stearns will likely target a starter for two years or fewer, maybe stretching to three for the right pitcher. Holmes fits that mold perfectly. The risk is that he could become a top target after an excellent season regardless of injury. A fourth-year offer from another team could eliminate the Mets from contention.The front office must act fast to reunite with him. Owner Steve Cohen has made his feelings clear. Before the 2026 season, Cohen said, “Every year that goes by, I get frustrated.” One more failed season might push the limits of his patience Stearns needs to show he can fix the rotation now.Other Options and the Cost of WaitingShould Holmes be unavailable, the subsequent tier features Kevin Gausman, Tyler Mahle, Robbie Ray, and Walker Buehler. Each comes with a question mark, but all four have had success in the past. They fit the short-term deal profile Stearns prefers. However, waiting for the Skubal market to clear is dangerous.Prices go up as the offseason moves forward. The Mets need to get one of their biggest needs done before the market begins thinning out. With the initial acquisition completed, the remainder of the offseason unfolds more naturally. New York can then turn its attention to other spots without the pressure of a broken rotation.