Clay Holmes, one of the Mets’ top starting pitchers, is currently sidelined with a fractured fibula after a comebacker nailed his leg back in May, but that isn’t stopping the trade rumors heating up around him. In fact, despite being out for months with an injury that could keep him off the mound until after the trade deadline, Holmes is still considered a “superb trade chip” for a New York team that’s looking to offload talent.
The $12 Million Question That Could Change Everything
The Mets are in a wild spot here, trying to navigate their roster with injuries piling up and wins just not happening. They are “obvious sellers” right now, which means every piece of talent becomes a target, even one on the IL. Holmes, a two-time All-Star, was absolutely dealing before his injury, posting a dominant 2.39 ERA in nine starts.
But here’s the kicker: Holmes has a $12 million player option for next season, and according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, he will “probably decline” it. Why? Because he’s had a successful conversion from reliever to starter over the past two seasons, and he’s going to capitalize on that success. That means he’d hit the open market, and the Mets would lose him for nothing if they don’t play their cards right.
Deadline Dilemma: Trade Him or Hold Him?
So, what’s a selling team to do with a star pitcher who’s injured and likely to decline his option? The Mets have a couple of paths. They “could deal him,” which seems like the most straightforward way to get some value back. But the complicating factor is his health. Castillo wrote that Holmes “might not return from his broken fibula until after the trade deadline,” which is totally wild for a guy being shopped around, right?
Yet, that same report states his late return “shouldn’t dampen interest.” That’s how good he was. The alternative for the Mets? They “also could keep him, make him a qualifying offer and receive a draft pick after the fourth round next year if he signs elsewhere,” Castillo pointed out. It’s a calculated risk, betting on him getting healthy and performing, then signing a huge deal somewhere else to net that draft pick. But what if he doesn’t fully recover or just doesn’t command that big contract?
The good news, if you can call it that for the Mets, is that interim manager Andy Green recently told SNY’s Phillip Martinez that Holmes is “inching closer” to a rehab assignment. “Inching closer” isn’t “he’s back,” but it’s a glimmer. Still, with the trade deadline looming and a $12 million decision on the line, the Mets have a massive puzzle on their hands with Clay Holmes. Every day counts if they want to get something significant for their injured star.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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