Two GMs Predict Zack Wheeler Lands with Astros

With the trade deadline heating up, the Houston Astros could be the team that lands impending free agent, Zack Wheeler. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Astros will acquire a starter, and two GM’s predicted that pitcher will be Wheeler.

Through 124.1 innings this season, Wheeler owns a 4.71 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP. He has struck out 137 batters, while walking 34. While Wheeler hasn’t been at his best this year, he could provide a World Series contending team, like the 68-39 Astros, with a power pitcher down the stretch.

Last year, Wheeler saved his best performances for the second half, as he went 9-1 with a 1.68 ERA after the All-Star Break.

It will be interesting how the Mets approach these negotiations, especially now that they added Marcus Stroman and dealt Jason Vargas. The Mets currently have Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Stroman, Wheeler, and Steven Matz as their starting five, but that could change very quickly as trade rumors continue to swirl.