Zack Wheeler Responds to Brodie Van Wagenen’s Comments About Contract Talks With Mets

New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen and former team hurler Zack Wheeler have been entangled in a passive aggressive war of words over the last few days.

It started with Wheeler, who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason, slighting the Mets for not even approaching him about a potential contract extension. Unsurprisingly, Van Wagenen clapped right back by claiming that the 29-year-old right-hander parlayed two good half-seasons into a $118 million contract, and the Mets should be credited for that.

Wheeler caught wind of BVW's comments, and proceeded to state the GM was shockingly sensitive to his original critique before ultimately throwing a blanket over the fire.

Though the exchange was entertaining at first, it didn't need to go any further and Wheeler was right to swiftly extinguish it. One or two verbal nudges is plenty. Anything more, like Wheeler said, and you come off as petulant.

The new Phillies' pitcher was then asked for his thoughts on the motivation he will have when squaring up against his former franchise for the first time.

Though Wheeler's comments weren't particularly antagonistic, we'll certainly have our calendars marked for his first scheduled start against the Mets. Given Van Wagenen's apparent disparagement of him, the former No. 6 overall pick will definitely be pitching with a chip on his shoulder.