Cubs make massive trade with Mets and effectively move past Reid Detmers rumors

Jed Hoyer has taken an aggressive approach to bolstering the Chicago Cubs' pitching staff. Already having traded for Kevin Gausman, Braxton Garrett, and Ryan Zeferjahn, the Cubs have made a massive trade with the New York Mets.

The Cubs are acquiring Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the Mets in exchange for top prospect Jefferson Rojas.

Jed Hoyer completes deadline haul in stunnng trade with Mets for Clay Holmes

Jefferson Rojas was considered one of the Cubs' top prospects, but given the outlook of the infield a the major-league level, he was going to be blocked.

As was the case with Kevin Gausman, Holmes was believed to be among the better rental pitchers available at this year's deadline. Holmes was on his way to an All-Star selection with the Mets this season, posting an ERA of 2.39 through his first nine starts. The 33-year-old suffered a fractured shin on a come-backer in May, but he is nearing a return.

As for Taylor, he gives the Cubs a dependable fourth outfielder who also can get plate appearances against left-handed pitchers down the stretch.

Adding Holmes to the rotation likely ends hope that the Cubs will be able to complete a deal with the Los Angeles Angels for Reid Detmers. Detmers certainly was an appealing trade candidates, but it's hard for Cubs fans to complain, considering the team is walking away from the deadline with four starting pitchers.

While Jones likely won't be much of a factor for the Cubs this season, the other three all become important pieces to Craig Counsell's pitching staff down the stretch. Gausman and Holmes almost certainly will be plugged into the rotation for the final two month, and Zeferjahn could immediately become the Cubs' closer.

As for Taylor, if the Cubs were going to add a bat at the deadline, it was likely going to be an outfielder capable of finding success against left-handed pitchers. Taylor checks that box, and it wouldn't be a complete surprise if we see him get regular appearances in the Cubs' starting lineup down the stretch.

This has turned out to be a massive deadline for Hoyer. The impression had been that the Cubs were mapping out an aggressive approach to upgrading their pitching staff, and Hoyer has followed through.

Assuming health, Hoyer has ensured that what happened to the Cubs last October won't happen this year. The Cubs have effective options across their entire pitching staff, and that value can't be understated moving forward.

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