Mets Reportedly Pursuing Multi-Year Deal With Zack Wheeler
By Chris Pyo
New York Mets starter Zack Wheeler was expected to be a hot commodity in MLB free agency this offseason as one of the top pitchers to chase after the likes of Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg.
The Mets must've sensed that, as they're evidently doing everything in their power to retain the hard-throwing right hander for the foreseeable future.
Mets are interested in multiyear deal with Zack Wheeler, who will decline $17.8M qualifying offer. If they can’t get Wheeler they will consider trades and other free agents to acquire a starter. Last alternative would be to move Lugo or Gsellman into rotation.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 12, 2019
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Mets are looking to sign Wheeler to a multi-year deal after he opted not to accept his qualifying offer. However, in a pitcher-friendly market, they're going to have some healthy competition from multiple teams.
Astros, who have long liked Zack Wheeler, met today with his agents BB Abbott, Andrew Lowenthal and others from Jet Sports. Wheeler’s robust market likely enhanced by big postseason for teams with great starters (Nats, Astros — who may lose Cole — etc.)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 12, 2019
Wheeler had a solid 2019 season in Queens, posting a 11-8 record with a 3.96 ERA and 195 strikeouts. As a third starter behind Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, he provided a potent punch in the middle of the rotation for the Mets, who are trying to preserve the top of their pitching order.
Now, he'll most likely slot in as a No. 2 pitcher wherever he signs, while getting handsomely paid.