Hours after Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted that the Boston Red Sox were “pushing to add a starting pitcher”, Joel Sherman of the New York Post is reporting that the Sox have been in touch with the New York Mets regarding their free-agent-to-be right-hander, Zack Wheeler.
“[Trade] talks were described as in the early stages,” Sherman writes. “And that Boston is not the only club with whom the Mets are discussing Wheeler.”
As the July 31 trade deadline rapidly approaches, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen is sure to garner a fair amount of interest in his departing hurler.
It’s going to be on the front office neophyte to sell Wheeler’s strong 2018 and maximize the return — especially if multiple teams are interested.
Wheeler, 29, has had an up-and-down 2019 (4.69 ERA, 3.65 FIP, 9.83 K/9, 2.57 BB/9, 1.21 HR/9 over 19 starts; 119 innings), but appeared to reach his full potential over the second half of the 2018 season.
His 1.68 ERA, 2.53 FIP, 25.7% strikeout rate, 5.3% walk rate over 75 innings pitched over his final 11 starts last year will surely make him an attractive asset to a contender down the stretch, regardless of his inconsistencies this season.
Over his last four starts — including Sunday’s six-run letdown to close out the first half of the Mets’ season — Wheeler owns a 3.70 ERA with a .227/.227/.330 slash line against, 27 strikeouts, and six walks. That’s more than serviceable.
His 7.3% barrel rate is a full percentage point higher than the current MLB average (6.3%), and he’s left far too many pitches over the heart of the plate this season (via Statcast), but, as exhibited by his strong 2018, Wheeler’s ceiling is evident.
Teams will always jump at the chance to improve their odds of winning a World Series, especially for quality starting pitching.
Ball’s in your court, Brodie.
We’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available.
