The New York Yankees are reportedly competing with the Boston Red Sox to trade for New York Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler.
The July 31 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching. The New York Mets should be sellers at the deadline and Zack Wheeler appears to be one of their most attractive trade pieces. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are competing for the righty hurler, according to Andy Martino of SNY.
“Zack Wheeler has become a pitcher in high demand, and the Mets have now begun trade talks, according to major league sources,” Martino writes. “Among the teams who have been in contact are the Yankees and Red Sox, both of whom are interested in Wheeler.”
According to Martino, the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs are also possible landing spots for Wheeler as well.
Thus far in 2019, Wheeler has posted a record of 6-6 with a 4.69 ERA through 19 starts. Wheeler will be a free agent this winter which means he might not fetch a major haul. Teams are generally more hesitant to unload blue-chip prospects for any rental, let alone one with a 4.69 ERA.
However, Wheeler’s traditional numbers don’t jump off the page, but the analytics say he is pitching better than his ERA indicates. He is posting career-high K% and BB% in addition to a respectable 3.65 FIP (fielding independent pitching).
Wheeler would definitely add some talent to someone’s rotation. The Red Sox may need it more than the Bombers do, however. Boston’s starters are 18th in the majors with a 4.70 ERA, while the Yankees’ is 12th in the majors with a 4.22 ERA.
