According to Buster Olney of ESPN early on Wednesday morning, the Phillies are currently seen as the top bidders for the services of talented free agent starter Zack Wheeler.
Olney also noted that there’s no indication that the Mets are seriously involved in the bidding to bring Wheeler back to Flushing.
It was reported on Tuesday, that the Reds, White Sox, and Rangers are also seen as potential landing spots for the former first rounder. He’s expected to get a five-year deal worth at least $100 million.
Wheeler, 29, is coming off posting back-to-back 4 WAR seasons and team’s see him in the free agent starter tier under Stephen Strasburg and Gerrit Cole.
The Mets gave Wheeler a qualifying offer – which he declined – meaning the Mets will get draft pick compensation when he signs with another team.
Wheeler signing elsewhere would leave the Mets in search of another starter to round out their rotation of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, and Steven Matz.
