Chicago Cubs Purchase Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor in Commerce With New York Mets

The Chicago Cubs have added extra expertise to their roster after buying pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the New York Mets in change for infield prospect Jefferson Rojas.

Jed Hoyer on Cubs’ Pitching Plans

The commerce was introduced Monday because the Cubs continued making strikes to strengthen their workforce for the playoff race.

Chicago entered the deal seeking to enhance its pitching depth whereas staying aggressive within the National League.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer stated the workforce was targeted on including pitching earlier than the commerce deadline.

“It was very clear we needed to add pitching,” Hoyer stated.

Holmes offers the Cubs a dependable arm with sturdy current numbers. The 33-year-old right-hander posted a 2.39 ERA throughout 9 begins for the Mets throughout the 2026 season earlier than struggling a damaged fibula in May, NY Post reported.

He has since made three minor-league rehab appearances as he works towards returning to the key leagues.

Before his harm, Holmes was one of many few vibrant spots throughout a troublesome season for New York. The Mets transformed him from a reduction pitcher right into a starter, and he recorded a 3.26 ERA throughout 42 appearances, together with 40 begins, because the starting of the 2025 season.

Clay Holmes Finds New Home

Holmes beforehand stated he didn’t wish to go away New York merely to flee a troublesome scenario. Instead, he wished to be a part of the workforce’s answer. However, the commerce now sends him to a Cubs workforce hoping to make a postseason run.

The transfer additionally brings Holmes again right into a contender’s rotation whereas giving Chicago an alternative choice due to his previous expertise as a more in-depth. Hoyer stated the workforce likes Holmes’ capacity to provide floor balls and restrict house runs.

“We love the fit from a shape standpoint. He’s a fantastic ground ball guy, doesn’t give up home runs,” Hoyer stated.

According to ESPN, the Cubs additionally added Taylor, who has been one of many Mets’ extra productive hitters this season.

The 32-year-old outfielder recorded a .794 OPS with 10 house runs and 28 RBIs in 67 video games. Known principally for his protection, Taylor has additionally supplied a robust offensive increase since coming back from a hip harm in June.

In return, the Mets obtained Rojas, a 21-year-old infielder who was thought of one of many Cubs’ prime prospects. Rojas was having a robust season at Double-A Knoxville, batting .270 with 15 house runs, 57 RBIs, 17 stolen bases, and a .800 OPS in 91 video games.

Holmes might doubtlessly return to New York later, as he holds a $12 million participant possibility for the 2027 season.