​The New York Mets are lining up for the trade deadline, but not in the way fans hoped. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is focused on acquiring prospects for Major Leaguers with expiring contracts rather than big-name players. One starting pitcher who could be on the move within the next three weeks is right-hander Clay Holmes. Holmes, sidelined by a fractured right fibula on the 60-day injured list, will be a free agent at season’s end. ESPN’s Jeff Passan labeled the two-time All-Star as the best trade match for the Milwaukee Brewers.
If a deal happens, Holmes—returning from his injury—could serve Milwaukee better than the team’s add-backs at the previous deadline, which included a reliever with 9.2 innings, a backup catcher, and a reserve outfielder. While Holmes might not be the top starter available on the market, he presents a solid fallback option should the Brewers miss out on targets like Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, or perhaps Reid Detmers.
Before his injury, Holmes was pitching like an ace, posting a 2.39 ERA across nine starts and allowing only three home runs in 52.2 innings. Holmes is expected to return this season, and Milwaukee would likely deploy him in their rotation for at least portions of August and September. Acquiring a pitcher of his caliber could help the Brewers win an extra game or two in the postseason, potentially making the difference between an NLDS exit and a deep playoff run.
The landscape around potential moves remains fluid, with various teams weighing deals that could reshape the postseason picture. The pursuit of Tarik Skubal by the Dodgers and Yankees continues to loom, while other conversations evolve around the Phillies and Byron Buxton. The Red Sox are reminded of Joe Ryan’s availability as a hypothetical bargaining chip, and the Dodgers face decisions even as they’ve already achieved significant success this season.
Note: The original article and updates reference The Sporting News as the origin for some reporting, and readers can add The Sporting News as a preferred source through the provided link.