One starting pitcher for the New York Mets could be traded after his strong start, and the team has questions to face so far this season.
The New York Mets are 16-25 entering Wednesday, and things are not very promising for the team in Queens.
The Mets even called up top prospect AJ Ewing in hopes of bringing some energy into the fan base, and early-season injuries to Luis Robert Jr., Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, as well as a slow start for Bo Bichette, have not been encouraging for this ballclub.
At some point, David Stearns and company might have to consider becoming sellers, especially if they continue to lose games going into July.
For now, the Mets are trying to turn things around, but nothing has worked, and it remains to be seen what the future holds.
One trade candidate that could be moved is starting pitcher Clay Holmes, and he was named a sell-high trade chip by Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report.
Holmes, who pitched with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, is off to a dominant start.
As of Wednesday, Holmes has a 4-3 record with a 1.86 ERA through eight starts, including two outings where he gave up zero runs.
Holmes was a closer with the New York Yankees, but he has become a dependable starter, and the Mets signed him to a two-year, $26 million deal in 2025 that expires at the end of this season.
"He is headed for free agency next season, provided he opts against exercising a $12 million player option, making him an obvious trade candidate for the struggling Mets. With a 1.86 ERA that ranks second among qualified NL starters, his stock may never be higher," Reuter wrote.
The last part is worth noting: His stock may never be higher.
If that's the case, the Mets might be well off to make a deal for Holmes. In 2025, Holmes appeared in 33 games, going 12-8 with a 3.53 ERA in 165.2 innings, showing plenty of promise as a full-time starter.
This year has been even better, and there are several contending teams that could use starting pitching help, with teams such as the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres obvious fits for Holmes.
Right now, the Mets probably won't make a trade, but if the calendar turns to June and they are still in last place in the National League East, it might be time for New York to explore the market and see what they can get for some of their key players.