The New York Yankees have expanded their search for pitching reinforcements ahead of the MLB trade deadline by closely evaluating a familiar face from the other side of town.
Multiple clubs dispatched scouts to watch Mets right-hander Clay Holmes during his latest minor league appearance as the August 3 deadline approaches. Holmes, who previously pitched for the Yankees, remains on the mend from a leg injury and has yet to return to the major leagues this season.
The Mets are widely viewed as one of the more aggressive sellers this summer, with several roster pieces potentially available. Holmes ranks among the names drawing significant attention because of his track record and impending free agency status.
An MLB.com report described the situation this way.
“Clay Holmes could be one of the Mets’ more popular trade candidates before the Deadline. The right-hander hasn’t pitched in the Majors since May 15 due to a fractured right fibula, but he’s closing in on a return after making his second rehab start on Tuesday for Single-A St. Lucie.”
The same report listed the clubs that sent evaluators to observe him.
“The Yankees, White Sox, Phillies, Rays, Rangers, Dodgers and D-backs were among the teams with scouts in attendance at Holmes’ latest outing, according to The Athletic. Holmes can opt out of his contract this offseason to become a free agent and recently said he hadn’t engaged in substantive extension talks with the Mets, making him a likely candidate to be dealt.”
Holmes is scheduled for another start on Aug. 2, the day before the deadline. Whether that outing occurs in a Mets uniform remains uncertain.
MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo assessed the options facing the club.
“It remains to be seen if the Mets will use that start as another showcase, or hold Holmes back to ensure his health ahead of the Deadline. They could also simply trade him before the date in question.”
Talks between Holmes and the Mets on a contract extension have not advanced significantly, according to reports, further increasing the chances he changes teams before the deadline.
While the Yankees explore pitching options, they also continue to address other roster needs. General manager Brian Cashman has publicly acknowledged a clear requirement for a right-handed hitting catcher.
Manager Aaron Boone discussed the performance of current catcher Austin Wells in comments shared via The Athletic.
“Obviously, we expect a lot more out of him offensively. He knows he can hit. He believes he’s a better hitter than he’s certainly shown this year. That’s tough to deal with, but he’s also mature enough and advanced enough in his career that he understands the importance of (being) behind that plate every single day and your role in limiting runs and helping a pitching staff. He’s done a really good job of separating.”
Holmes first joined the Yankees via trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 and later developed into a high-leverage reliever before eventually departing in free agency. His transition to a starting role with the Mets showed early promise before the injury interrupted his season.
Other Mets players, including fellow pitcher Freddy Peralta, also figure into trade discussions as the club reshapes its roster for the future. Even star shortstop Francisco Lindor has been mentioned in speculation, though any move involving him would represent a major shift.
With the deadline only days away, the Yankees and other contenders will continue monitoring Holmes’ progress. A potential reunion in the Bronx remains one of several possible outcomes if the Mets decide to move the veteran right-hander.
