Clay Holmes 'Definitely Open' to Mets Contract Extension Amid MLB Trade Rumors

Despite the New York Mets' struggles this season, starting pitcher Clay Holmes—who was one of the lone bright spots before suffering a fractured fibula—is open to signing a long-term deal with the team.

"Definitely open," he told The Athletic's Will Sammon and Tim Britton on Thursday. "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."

Holmes has a player option for $12 million for 2027, though the Mets could choose to extend him instead. Granted, given the team's 40-54 record, teams may call to check on his availability in a trade before the Aug. 3 deadline. But his injury likely will decrease his value in those talks, perhaps to the point that keeping him long term will be the better option.

New York hasn't ruled out a potential extension, per Sammon and Britton.

Holmes, 33, is 4-4 this season with a 2.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 45 strikeouts in 52.2 innings across nine starts. He suffered his injury in May and it's possible he won't pitch again before the trade deadline. It would be a moot point if the Mets agree to an extension, of course.