It goes without saying that the New York Mets have missed Clay Holmes for much of this season.
Before going down with a fractured right fibula in a game against the New York Yankees in May, Holmes was undoubtedly the ace of the Mets' rotation. The right-hander, who signed a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets in December 2024, logged an impressive 2.39 ERA through nine starts this season and seemed well on his way to making his first All-Star Game as a starting pitcher.
But since Holmes went down with his injury, New York's rotation and their season, to that matter, have turned upside down completely. The Amazins' are well on their way to being sellers come the MLB trade deadline.
Holmes has been a potential name to move at the deadline. The 33-year-old is not only slowly ramping up his return to the Mets, but also has an opt-out in his contract after this year.
Holmes, though, appears open to staying in Flushing long-term. During an interview with Will Sammon of The Athletic, Holmes said that he is "definitely open" to signing a midseason extension with the Mets.
“Definitely open,” Holmes said. “I know things are not the easiest right now and hard, but it’s not like I’m sitting here hoping to run away from it. If I can be part of the solution to make things better here, I would like that.
“I came here for a reason. You almost have the sense of some type of unfinished business. You want to make things right and do things well here because when you do win here, it’s very exciting. I’ve seen that. It’s something that I hope to be a part of. I don’t know what that looks like. But that desire is still there.”
Sammon also reported that the Mets haven't closed on signing the righty to a long-term contract. He also added that finding a trade partner willing to offer a substantial haul in return may be difficult due to his injury. Holmes is expected back by the beginning of August and the trade deadline is August 8.
Given that concern, the Mets should opt to hold on to Holmes and perhaps sign him to a long-term deal either during or after this season.
New York's rotation has been the primary reason for their losing season, with arms like Nolan McLean, Kodai Senga, Freddy Peralta, and Sean Manaea all underperforming.
But even though the Mets will surely wind up selling at the deadline, holding on to Clay Holmes is the right decision, especially after expressing his desire to stay a Met.
