Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, and San Diego Padres are currently comprising “the leading group” for Zack Wheeler this offseason.
In addition, Morosi expects the right-hander to sign way before Gerrit Cole does and possibly before Stephen Strasburg.
Morosi further speculated that a deal in the range of five years, $100 million could ultimately be the one Wheeler signs.
Wheeler, 29, is coming off a season in which he had an 11-8 record to go along with a 3.96 ERA, 3.48 FIP, and 1.259 WHIP. In addition, he averaged 9.0 K/9 as compared to a career-best 2.3 BB/9. He also tossed a career-high 195 1/3 innings.
If the right-hander were to sign with a new team this offseason, the Mets would be entitled to draft pick compensation as they offered him the $17.8 million qualifying offer which he chose to decline.
