Clay Holmes is set to make what could be his final rehab start early next week before a possible return from the injured list. The right-hander remains a candidate for a trade ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline as the Mets continue as sellers. Holmes has stated he has not held substantive talks about a contract extension.
The 33-year-old made his first rehab start on Thursday for Triple-A Syracuse, throwing 2 1/3 innings. Multiple teams had scouts present to evaluate him. Holmes has been sidelined since fracturing his right fibula on May 15.
He is likely to decline his $12 million player option and enter free agency after the season. Holmes told reporters on Friday that extension discussions with the Mets have not advanced meaningfully.
"I don't think there's been a ton there," Holmes said. "I think it's just one of those situations where there's a few different scenarios the team could go, and it really boils down to what the team thinks is best for the organization long term."
President of baseball operations David Stearns said Thursday the club is not closing any paths but plans to build around young players and established stars such as Francisco Lindor. The Mets have designated Juan Soto, Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, Nolan McLean and Christian Scott as untouchable in trade talks.
