Chicago Cubs Consider Re-signing Clay Holmes Amid Free Agency

The Chicago Cubs are entering free agency with gaps in their starting rotation and are looking at the possibility of re-signing Clay Holmes, who has become a free agent after opting out of his $12 million player option for 2027.

Holmes, a 33-year-old right-hander, had a season split between the New York Mets and the Cubs, finishing with a record of 6-8, a 3.29 ERA, and a 1.19 WHIP over 18 starts and 101 1/3 innings. Following an injury that sidelined him for nearly three months, he returned to make nine starts for the Cubs, ending with a 4.25 ERA.

His performance has kept his free-agent value stable, and projections suggest he could secure a two-year deal worth around $44 million. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has noted that Holmes' ground-ball pitching style aligns well with the team's defensive strengths. The Cubs' rotation for 2027 remains uncertain, and re-signing Holmes could provide much-needed depth.