Cubs trade for Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor from Mets

The Chicago Cubs bolstered their pitching staff and outfield depth just hours before the MLB trade deadline on Monday, August 3, acquiring starting pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the New York Mets in exchange for infield prospect Jefferson Rojas. The deal, pending medical review, was one of several moves by Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer to address a rotation decimated by injuries as the team pursues a playoff position.

Holmes, 33, was one of the most sought-after arms available. Before fracturing his right fibula after being hit by a line drive in mid-May, he had posted a sterling 2.39 ERA across nine starts for the Mets this season. The veteran sinkerballer, who signed a three-year, $38 million deal with New York prior to the 2025 season, has made three rehab starts and is considered ready to return to a major league mound. His contract includes a player option for 2027 worth $12 million, but it is widely expected he will decline it and become a free agent this offseason, making him a rental for the Cubs.

Taylor, a 32-year-old right-handed hitter, provides defensive versatility across the outfield and has shown unexpected power this...