Astros Favorites For Wheeler
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Astros are currently favorites to acquire the services of Mets’ starter Zack Wheeler. Wheeler, 29, is on the last season of his contract and is one of the best names available in a starting pitching market that is now dominated by the Mets, especially following the Trevor Bauer trade.
Rosenthal notes that the following teams have also checked in on the availability of Wheeler: The Braves, A’s, Rays. The Yankees have also been mentioned to show interest.
Braves Deal For Texas’ Martin
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Braves have dealt Kolby Allard to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Chris Martin.
Martin, 33, has been strong for Texas this season, posting a ERA of 3.08 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 43-4. Allard, on the other hand, is a 21-year-old lefty who has struggled in the Major Leagues this season to the tune of a 12.38 ERA in 8 innings.
Blue Jays Deal Phelps To Cubs
According to Shi Davis of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays traded David Phelps to the Cubs for prospect Thomas Hatch. Phelps, 32, is having a very fine season for the Blue Jays. The righty is 0-0 with a 3.63 ERA in 17 games (16 relief appearances).
Thomas Hatch has seen better days as a prospect, as the 24-year-old righty has posted a 4.59 ERA in 100 Double-A. Hatch has cracked the Blue Jays top 30 prospects in the past, but was not on the list in MLB Pipeline’s most recent rankings.
