Mets' Clay Holmes emerges as trade target before deadline

With the trade deadline looming, New York Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes has emerged as a top target for contending teams following a successful rehab start that demonstrated his health and readiness. Holmes, 33, threw four scoreless innings for Single-A St. Lucie on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in front of scouts from at least seven major league clubs, positioning him as one of the most valuable available pitchers ahead of Monday's deadline.

The veteran right-hander, who has been out since mid-May with a fractured right fibula, allowed two hits and two walks while striking out three over 59 pitches. His velocity reportedly sat between 92-94 mph, and he induced a heavy volume of ground balls, a hallmark of his pitching style. The outing was seen as a critical final showcase, with his next scheduled start lining up for Sunday, August 2, one day before the deadline.

A strong market has developed for Holmes, with scouts from the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago White Sox in attendance for the rehab appearance. Holmes has been effective when healthy this season, posting a 2.39 ERA over nine...