Cubs could get a Clay Holmes reunion at a surprisingly affordable price

The Chicago Cubs are in a position to sign several free agents this winter, and bringing back Clay Holmes would be an obvious choice. Chicago needs to replace multiple spots in its starting rotation, and Holmes is projected to command a surprisingly affordable contract.

The Athletic's Jim Bowden projected Holmes to sign a two-year deal worth around $44 million. That is surprisingly low considering Holmes' track record, and I would sign that deal in a heartbeat if I were Jed Hoyer. Although he missed about half the season with a leg injury, it was a freak accident due to a line-drive hitting him in mid-May. That's much less worrisome than if he went down with an elbow issue.

But while he was on the mound, Holmes posted a solid 3.29 ERA over 18 starts. The righty also attacks the zone with his sinker, giving him an elite 60.8 ground-ball rate last year. The soft contact bodes well with the Cubs' Gold-Glove caliber defense. So if Holmes stays healthy, this contract would be an absolute steal.

What the Cubs' rotation looks like if Clay Holmes were to return

If Holmes comes back, it would go a long way in stabilizing Chicago's rotation. Especially since there are question marks surrounding nearly every starting pitcher the Cubs have under contract.

It's unclear if Ben Brown will be ready or able to rejoin the starting rotation next year. Or if he will be as effective. Edward Cabrera had to be moved to the bullpen in 2026 because of poor performance and consistent blister issues. Javier Assad and Braxton Garrett haven't been full-time starters for several seasons. And Cade Horton probably won't be back from his UCL surgery until the end of 2027, if he pitches at all next year. Justin Steele is healthy, but his return is a wild-card, considering how long it's been since he's been in the rotation.

That is a lot of uncertainty to deal with, so the Cubs need arms that can stabilize the pitching staff and give them a lot of innings. Even though Holmes will be 34, he has been fairly healthy over the last few seasons aside from last year. Which I'd categorize as a fluke since any pitcher could get hit with a come-backer at any time.

Keep in mind that this is a projection, and Holmes could easily get more money or years. But given his age and injury last year, I don't think he will get more than a four-year deal this winter, and the Cubs should give it to him either way.

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