Reports: Cubs acquire LHP Clay Holmes, OF Tyrone Taylor
May 15, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes (35) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The Chicago Cubs continued a major trade deadline surge by acquiring right-handed starter Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the New York Mets, according to multiple media reports.
The Cubs, who have already traded for right-hander Kevin Gausman from Toronto and reportedly left-hander Braxton Garrett from the Miami Marlins to bolster their rotation, are sending third baseman/shortstop Jefferson Rojas, the No. 2 prospect in their organization per MLB Pipeline, to New York in the deal.
The deal is still pending medical reviews, ESPN additionally reported.
Holmes, 33, has been out since mid-May when a hard-hit comebacker fractured his right fibula. However, he's close to returning after making three rehab appearances in the minor leagues over the past two weeks.
Before the injury, he was enjoying a strong start to his season despite the Mets' struggles, posting a 4-4 record and 2.39 ERA in his first nine starts.
He's had an ERA of 3.60 or better in each of the last six seasons and has a career 40-34 record with a 3.53 ERA in 353 games (44 starts) with the Pirates (2018-21), Yankees (2021-24) and Mets (2025-26). He made a move to the starting rotation with the Mets after spending the majority of his career coming out of the bullpen, making 40 starts since 2025.
Taylor, 32, hit .241 with 10 homers and 28 RBIs in 67 games this season, missing a month with a right hip flexor strain. He's a career .238 hitter with 60 homers and 226 RBIs over 641 games with the Brewers (2019-23) and Mets (2024-26).
Rojas, the No. 63 prospect in baseball on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list, has blown up since signing with the Cubs as an international prospect out of the Dominican Republic. Now 21, he's hit .270 with 15 homers and 57 RBIs across 91 games this season for Double-A Knoxville.
In what has been a push-the-chips-in day of sorts for Chicago, the Cubs also reportedly acquired right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Angels.
--Field Level Media
MLB Teams Whose Playoff Dreams Have Made It Into September
Ranking WWE’s Top 25 Male and Female Superstars of 2026
- MLB Best Bets: Yankees, Braves and Nationals Amongst Sunday’s Top Picks
- Best MLB Bets Today: Carlos Rodon, Kyle Schwarber Highlight Saturday's Picks
- UFC Shanghai Betting Odds Line Movements Before Saturday
- UFC Shanghai Best Value Bets: Three Method-of-Victory Props to Target
- UFC Shanghai Underdog of the Week: Denise Gomes Is a Major Value Play
- UFC Shanghai Picks: Three Best Bets for Saturday's Fight Card
- Rockies vs. Braves Picks: Two Best Bets for Friday Night

