Mets may be willing to deal Zack Wheeler
July 25th, 2015 9:00 am
The Mets have discussed Zack Wheeler with teams in trade talks, multiple major league sources told Daily News reporters Kristie Ackert and Andy Martino (July 24, 8:40 pm).
Martino believes the Reds are one of the teams showing interest in Wheeler.
Wheeler underwent Tommy John surgery in March. He is expected to begin throwing soon, and likely to return sometime next season.
Matthew Cerrone: “I’ve heard Colorado’s last ask centered around Wheeler and Michael Conforto, knowing Sandy Alderson refuses to deal Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz,” I wrote a few days ago (July 22, 2015). I mentioned Monday that Alderson was open to dealing Wheeler, who can be dealt from the disabled list with league approval. And, it makes sense. Wheeler relies more on ground balls than the other four arms, and it’s quite clear the Mets are OK with having a sporadic infield defense. Plus, he won’t pitch a full season for them until 2017. So, if the Mets are serious about making a run this year and next, he may as well assist in bringing in a bat to help that happen …
That said, if Wheeler is in a deal, it better be for a major name, under contract beyond at least next season, such as Reds OF Jay Bruce, or Todd Frasier, A’s OF Josh Reddick, Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez or SS Troy Tulowitzki, or one of the infielders from the Cubs. If the Mets are willing to include Wheeler, plus talk Jon Niese, Rafael Montero and other prospects, they can be in conversations for this caliber hitter, so long as they’re willing to take on the salary.