Zack Wheeler Reportedly Wants to Sign Before MLB Winter Meetings Begin
By Scott Rogust
The MLB Winter Meetings are less than a week away, and we've already seen the likes of Yasmani Grandal and Mike Moustakas sign big contracts with brand-new teams. And there could be another high-profile free agent joining that list in due time.
According to MLB.com Cincinnati Reds insider Mark Sheldon, New York Mets free agent pitcher Zack Wheeler is hoping to sign a deal ahead of the start of the meetings in San Diego.
A source told MLB .com that the #reds remain in close pursuit for free agent SP Zack Wheeler. The former Mets right-hander is hoping to have a deal done with one of suitors before the Winter Meetings next week https://t.co/RFCAKZwomK
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) December 4, 2019
The Reds are reportedly in hot pursuit of Wheeler just a day after locking in Moustakas to a four-year, $64 million contract, but they aren't the only team looking to add the 29-year-old right-hander to their starting rotation. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported earlier Tuesday that Wheeler has received an offer from a team worth at least $100 million. He lists the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays among interested teams.
With Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg trending towards signing record-breaking deals, Wheeler is the next best pitcher available for teams looking to spend noticeably less on the open market.
Latest notes. Wheeler will go for $100M-plus; Bumgarner’s appeal; an intriguing comp for Castellanos; Josh Lindblom’s return from Korea; updates on #Marlins; #Mets, non-tenders. https://t.co/V0v0hYBzrG
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 3, 2019
This past season with the Mets, Wheeler posted a 3.96 ERA, averaged nine strikeouts per game, and accumulated a 11-8 record across 195.1 innings pitched.
Zack Wheeler has no intention of going to beautiful San Diego for the Winter Meetings, and wants to put pen to paper in the coming days. He could get his wish soon.