Rangers scouting highly in-demand starting pitcher as trade deadline heats up

While the Rangers' more obvious needs ahead of Monday's trade deadline are bullpen reinforcements and a right-handed bat, the club could also use another starting pitcher. As the saying goes, "you can never have too much starting pitching," and with Jack Leiter, Jordan Montgomery and Cody Bradford still on the IL, adding another starter to the mix would be a wise move for Texas. Not to mention, left-hander MacKenzie Gore has an ERA just south of 5.00.

It appears the Rangers are well aware of their need for another starting pitcher. According to The Athletic's Jim Bowden, the Rangers were among the four teams to attend New York Mets right-handed starter Clay Holmes' rehab start on Sunday.

New York Mets' Clay Holmes would be a clear upgrade for the Rangers' starting rotation

Even if the Rangers' rotation is eventually fully healthy, adding Holmes would clearly upgrade the team's starting pitching. At the same time, the bullpen could improve, as it'd allow Texas to move a starter or two to a relief role for the rest of the season.

Holmes made a handful of starts during his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates before converting into a full-time reliever. He pitched for the New York Yankees from 2021-24 and emerged as one of the best bullpen arms in the game. He represented the Yankees in two All-Star Games (2022 & 2024).

After the 2024 season, Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets. He has a $12 million player option for next year.

Holmes went back to being a starter for the Mets and has succeeded in his new (or old) role. In 33 appearances (31 starts) last season, Holmes recorded a 3.53 ERA in 165 2/3 innings. He has made just nine starts this year due to a right fibula fracture. In those nine outings, the right-hander posted a remarkable 2.39 ERA in 52 2/3 innings.

Now that Holmes is on a rehab assignment, several teams are interested in acquiring him. It seems likely he will reject his player option for next year, but with the looming lockout, who knows what will happen.

During his High-A rehab start on Sunday, Holmes allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and no walks with three strikeouts. He threw 73 pitches. According to The New York Post's Joel Sherman, Holmes threw 73 pitches and his main pitch (sinker) looked good.

With Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi struggling against the Houston Astros, and the inconsistencies from Gore, Kumar Rocker, and Jack Leiter (when healthy), adding stability to the rotation is critical. Adding a guy in Holmes who can pitch at the top of the unit is a nice plus.

The healthier he looks, the more expensive he'll be, but he's worth a good hard look if the Rangers truly decide to buy for the stretch run.

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