Clay Holmes trade grades: Who won Cubs and Mets deal?

[ASFN Admin]

Clay Holmes was one of the better pitchers available on the market, with the New York Mets floundering and teams needing starters down the stretch. And now? He's gone. The reliever-turned-starter who will be coming back from a broken leg was dealt at the 2026 MLB trade deadline along with teammate Tyrone Taylor.

Who got them? That would be the Chicago Cubs, who have already added to their rotation with Kevin Gausman and Braxton Garrett. They dealt away a top prospect in Jefferson Rojas to get the pair of vets.

So who won and lost this deal? What are the details? As always, let's fill you in with who got what along with grades for each side.

Mets and Cubs trade details​

Mets get: SS/3B Jefferson Rojas

TEEKAY get: RHP Clay Holmes and OF Tyrone Taylor

Cubs trade grade​

The Cubs will enter Monday night with a vastly improved pitching rotation that could compete in the postseason -- assuming they make it there, but they're in good position. Holmes has proven this year that, when healthy, he's got terrific stuff. And Taylor is a good defender, the kind of player you want in the late innings. But it's all about Holmes. Clearly, the Cubs think they can keep up in the National League by giving up Rojas, which is a high price for a rental. GRADE: B

Mets trade grade​

The Mets made a ton of smaller deals heading into the deadline, but this one might be the most impactful. Rojas is ranked 63rd on MLB's top 100 prospects list, which is a great return on a player they weren't re-signing. Rojas has hit 15 dingers in Double-A this season. GRADE: A-

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Clay Holmes trade grades: Who won Cubs and Mets deal?

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