The Chicago Cubs have been linked to a potential trade with the New York Mets, but not for the pitcher you might expect. While Freddy Peralta has been the name generating buzz as a top trade deadline target, the Cubs may actually be eyeing another Mets starter who could step in as their ace.

Peralta is widely considered one of the best arms available on the trade market, barring a surprise move like the Detroit Tigers dealing Tarik Skubal. But the Cubs have options, and with their rotation already banged up by injuries, adding starting pitching remains a clear priority. That's where Clay Holmes comes into the picture.

According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, Holmes could be a perfect fit for Chicago. "Holmes is a ground-ball machine, and that would fit in nicely with a rotation that loves to rely on its defense," Sharma noted. The Cubs boast a stellar infield defense, anchored by Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner at second base, making Wrigley Field an ideal environment for a pitcher who keeps the ball on the ground.

Holmes holds a $12 million player option for 2027, which he's expected to decline if he stays healthy, making him a potential rental. The Mets, meanwhile, are shaping up to be one of the biggest disappointments in baseball this season, and if they're out of contention by July, selling off assets like Holmes becomes a realistic scenario.

Of course, pitching comes at a premium during the trade deadline, so the Cubs would need to part with a decent prospect package. But if Holmes can replicate his ground-ball dominance in Chicago, it's a gamble worth taking for a team looking to solidify its rotation and make a postseason push.