Previous reports suggested that the New York Mets wanted to sign former reliever-turned-starting pitcher Clay Holmes to a contract extension this summer. 

However, no such deal was inked before the Mets traded Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor to the Chicago Cubs for infielder Jefferson Rojas ahead of this past Monday's MLB trade deadline. It turns out that the Mets seemingly weren't as interested in holding onto Holmes as some thought. 

Mets "never approached Clay Holmes" about an extension during the season

"The Mets never approached Clay Holmes about an in-season extension, league sources with knowledge of the situation said," Will Sammon of The Athletic revealed for an update shared on Tuesday. "...Without an extension, the sensible move was trading Holmes, who attracted widespread interest across the league. Holmes holds a $12M player option for next season that he will almost certainly turn down for free agency. If they kept him, the Mets could’ve issued a qualifying offer (assuming he became a free agent), but the compensation pick would’ve been after the fourth round. Both parties ended up benefiting from the absence of a qualifying offer, at least."

It was thought as recently as late July that Holmes could have a long-term future with the Mets. Over 52.2 innings of work this season, he posted a 2.39 ERA and a 1.101 WHIP before he suffered a fractured fibula in the middle of May. 

The Mets reportedly "aim to compete next season," so one would think that they could look to re-sign Holmes if he chooses to test free agency. That said, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has a history of pursuing bargain options for his rotations. 

Why David Stearns may feel he won the trade with the Cubs

"Jefferson Rojas, the prospect they received from the Chicago Cubs for Holmes and Tyrone Taylor, projects as significantly better than a player chosen after the fourth round," Sammon added about the Mets. "Rojas, per MLB Pipeline, became the Mets’ best prospect."

One can't help but wonder if Stearns will ultimately regret trading Holmes if an MLB season is played next year. What's done is done, and Stearns will now hope that Rojas becomes as good as advertised for the Mets.