Zack Wheeler has become one of the more sought after starting pitchers on the open market this offseason. His value and potential are apparently appealing — as they should be — to a number of teams.
On Friday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network noted the 29-year-old Georgia product’s “huge market”, naming the White Sox and Twins — both of whom have been named before as interested parties — as well as “many others” as teams vying for Wheeler’s services.
One surprising addition at the end of his tweet was that the Mets — who, despite the cries of the fan base to bring him back, seemed to be all but out of the picture after the right-hander declined the team’s $17.9 million qualifying offer — might have one final shot at Wheeler, after all.
“There seems to be a willingness [for Wheeler] to circle back to the Mets,” Heyman wrote. “But it feels like [New York] intends to spread money [towards the bullpen, rotation depth, and centerfield], etc instead.”
Wheeler’s likely impending departure will leave a glaring hole in the middle of the Mets’ rotation unless it’s addressed adequately this offseason.
Reigning back-to-back NL Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, and Steven Matz are a formidable group.
Having Wheeler — who appears to be truly hitting his stride as a pitcher, not just a hard thrower — back to solidify the Mets’ starting five could be a coup for this team moving forward and a huge step in building a perennial contender in Flushing.
Over the last two seasons (60 starts, 377.2 innings), Wheeler’s pitched to a combined 3.65 ERA (3.37 FIP) with 374 strikeouts, 105 walks, and 8.9 wins above replacement (FanGraphs) — good for ninth among MLB starters over that span.
After nearly having his career derailed by injuries, Zack Wheeler’s developed into an ultra-competitive, uber-talented workhorse. Who wouldn’t want that guy on their team?
Granted, the Mets allocating funds to shore up relief needs and their defensive depth in center field, in particular, is a fine course of action, as well. Simply relying on Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia to revert back to their old selves in the bullpen would be irresponsible.
Reinforcements are needed in many areas. But so is a solid starter to fill out the rotation. Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen will have no shortage of big decisions to make over the next couple of months.
