Report: Holmes 'definitely open' to Mets extension

The Mets are among the few teams already deemed as likely sellers at this year’s Aug. 3 Trade Deadline, sitting with a 40-54 record and well outside the postseason picture. The number of obviously tradeable pieces may be slim, but it includes players on expiring contracts, like starting pitcher Freddy Peralta.

Another starter with uncertainty on his contract after 2026, however, is not necessarily guaranteed to be moved. Clay Holmes, currently rehabbing from a fractured fibula, is “definitely open” to signing an extension with New York, according to The Athletic. The report added that the Mets have not “closed the door” on making such a move.

Holmes, 33, has a player option worth $12 million on his contract for 2027. The Athletic suggested a three-year deal worth roughly $60 million and up to $75 million could make sense for an extension.

“Definitely open,” Holmes told The Athletic. “I know things are not the easiest right now and hard [for the team], 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.”

After starting his career with the Pirates and additionally serving as a high-leverage reliever with the Yankees, Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets before 2025 to be a starter. He rewarded the club with a strong 3.53 ERA in 33 games last season, and he’d been even better with a 2.39 ERA in nine starts before injury this year.

Holmes’ injury clouds his trade value. He has not pitched in a game since suffering the injury in mid-May, though he has progressed to throwing bullpens and may advance to live batting practice in mid-July.