Clay Holmes Declines Player Option And Enters MLB Free Agency

Clay Holmes is hitting the free agent market after declining his $12 million player option for 2027. The 33-year-old right-hander recorded a 3.53 ERA with 129 strikeouts in 165 2/3 innings during 2025. In 2026, he posted a 2.39 ERA across nine starts for the Mets before a fractured fibula on May 15, and later struggled with a 4.25 ERA in nine starts for the Cubs after debuting on August 8. A potential reunion with the Mets is being considered this winter.