Talkin' Baseball pitches perfect outside-the-box Dodgers trade deadline candidate from Mets

The time surrounding the MLB trade deadline can be a funny process. For much of the past several months, the Los Angeles Dodgers were considered clear favorites to land Tarik Skubal this summer. Now that the deadline is approaching, there's some sense that the Dodgers may not be as invested in the idea of giving up top prospect capital for a rental starting pitcher, even if it is Skubal.

If not Skubal, it would seem the Dodgers will do what they do best. Sit back at the deadline, and wait for the right opportunity to fall into their lap. The problem with that is that there's a small number of defined sellers this season. That could put LA in a position where Andrew Friedman and Co. need to get creative, and if so, the New York Mets could be a clear team to deal with.

The Mets almost certainly will be sellers at the deadline, and rental starting pitcher Freddy Peralta is among their top trade chips. But, for the Dodgers, the target that may be most attainable is Clay Holmes. As Talkin' Baseball pointed out, Holmes could be the ideal outside-the-box target for any team in need of pitching this summer.

Clay Holmes could be the perfect hybrid fit for Dodgers at the 2026 trade deadline

Holmes started the 2026 season well on his way to becoming one of the best starting pitchers in National League this season. Through nine starts, Holmes had a 2.39 ERA while striking out just under 21% of the hitters he faced. That came to screeching halt in May when Holmes suffered a fractured fibula, putting the remainder of his season in jeopardy.

Fortunately, Holmes should back before September. He's resumed his throwing program, and chances are there will be a minor-league rehab assignment within the next week or two. That's where things get interesting for the Mets, considering Holmes does have a player option for the 2027, but his imminent return will likely have interested teams calling.

The Dodgers would be the perfect fit. Holmes could slide into the rotation at first and then if the Dodgers reach October with a healthy Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, the 33-year-old can move into a high-leverage role in the bullpen.

Assuming Skubal is not happening, trading for Holmes would be a worthwhile alternative. He wouldn't cost as much, and offers versatility for how the Dodgers can map out their pitching staff moving forward.

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