The Chicago Cubs face a pressing shortage of reliable starting pitchers after several key arms suffered extended injuries this season and others posted inconsistent results.
Team officials are unlikely to secure a high-profile ace such as Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal, according to industry observers. A more practical target remains a lower-cost temporary addition who can stabilize the rotation for the stretch run.
ESPN analyst David Schoenfield recently outlined one potential solution involving a New York Mets right-hander. Schoenfield identified veteran Clay Holmes rather than teammate Freddy Peralta as the pitcher most likely headed to Chicago before the trade deadline.
“Mets trade Clay Holmes to Chicago Cubs,” Schoenfield predicts. “He had a 2.39 ERA before the injury and a 3.53 ERA in 2025, so if he throws well upon his return, it wouldn’t be unrealistic to view him as a possible Game 1 starter for the Cubs.”
Holmes has missed the majority of the 2026 campaign after sustaining a broken leg. He has completed several minor-league rehabilitation appearances that have drawn positive reviews, placing him back on the radar of multiple contending clubs.
The 6-foot-5 right-hander is completing the final season of a two-year, $26 million agreement. He holds a player option for 2027 that he is expected to decline absent unforeseen long-term issues.
Should Schoenfield’s forecast materialize, Chicago would control Holmes only for August, September and any postseason series that follow. Even as a short-term acquisition carrying recovery uncertainty, the move would supply the Cubs with a high-upside option capable of emerging as their top starter by October.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has sought affordable rotation upgrades that still offer significant ceiling. Holmes fits that profile: a pitcher who can deliver elite results when healthy while remaining within the organization’s financial parameters.
The risk is real because of the recent injury, yet the potential reward is substantial if Holmes regains his earlier form. A successful return would give Chicago a proven arm capable of anchoring playoff starts.
Industry evaluators describe Schoenfield’s projection as plausible given the Cubs’ clear need and the Mets’ apparent willingness to move a pitcher in the final year of his deal. Multiple clubs are expected to inquire about Holmes once he demonstrates readiness.
Chicago’s rotation depth has been tested repeatedly this year, making any addition of a starter with a sub-3.00 ERA history especially attractive. Holmes’ combination of size, experience and recent effectiveness before the injury positions him as a logical target.
If the predicted trade occurs, the Cubs would gain a pitcher who can immediately slot into the rotation and potentially elevate the staff’s overall performance down the stretch.
The organization continues to explore all available avenues to address its pitching shortfall before the deadline.
