The Chicago Cubs acquired right-hander Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the New York Mets in exchange for infield prospect Jefferson Rojas. Holmes, 33, has not pitched since mid-May after suffering a fractured right fibula but has made two rehab starts and is close to returning; he holds a player option for 2027 worth $12 million and was signed by the Mets to a three-year, $38 million deal before being converted from closer to starter. Holmes made 31 starts in 2025 (165 2/3 innings, 3.53 ERA, 1.304 WHIP) and posted a 2.39 ERA over nine starts in 2026 before the injury. Taylor has become a useful fourth outfielder for New York, hitting seven home runs in 48 at-bats since returning from the injured list in late June with a .354/.435/.875 slash line in that span. Rojas, 21, had a 114 wRC+ at Double A this season and was regarded as one of Chicago’s top prospects; the Cubs also dealt C/DH Moisés Ballesteros in a separate move as they reshaped their system. The Cubs’ front office, after adding Kevin Gausman earlier, signaled a win-now push by trading a top prospect for two veterans, while the Mets continued their sell-off of major-league pieces.
