New Mets Trade Rumors on Luis Robert Jr., Clay Holmes Ahead of 2026 MLB Deadline

As the New York Mets fight to stay out of the cellar in the National League, their approach leading up to the trade deadline seems almost certain to include moving players who could become free agents in the offseason.

Per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, Luis Robert Jr. is receiving "preliminary interest" from multiple teams and Clay Holmes is "significantly" more likely to be traded rather than extend his contract with the Mets.

Both players are working their way back from injuries that do cloud their trade value. Robert returned to the lineup on July 20 after missing nearly three months due to a back injury.

Holmes has been out since May 15 when he suffered a fractured fibula from a comebacker hit by New York Yankees designated hitter Spencer Jones. He was unable to make his first scheduled rehab start on July 18 due to rain.

Per MLB.com's Anthony DiComo, Holmes instead threw a 45-pitch bullpen session. He is slated to take the mound in a minor-league game on Thursday.

Assuming there are no physical issues for Holmes in that outing, he could become one of the most attractive pitchers on the trade market. The right-hander had a 2.39 ERA in nine starts this season prior to his injury.

It will be interesting to track how much opposing teams are willing to give up for Holmes since he has a $12 million player option for 2027. He would seem unlikely to pick that up based on how he has pitched since becoming a starter when he joined the Mets in 2025, but the combination of coming off an injury and being 33 does at least open up the possibility he would take the sure money rather than try to test the market.

Robert is also in the final guaranteed year of his deal with a $20 million team option in 2027 that seems unlikely to be picked up regardless of which team he finishes this season with.

The 28-year-old Robert is on pace for his third consecutive season with a below-average wRC+, but he has been one of the better defensive centerfielders since his debut MLB season in 2020.

The Mets' 43-59 record is only 2.5 games ahead of the Colorado Rockies for the worst mark in the NL. Their best approach leading up to the deadline is adding as much long-term talent to their system as they can.

Robert and Holmes looking healthy and productive within the next two weeks as they work their way back up to speed will help the Mets achieve that goal.