The New York Mets are likely to trade right-hander Zack Wheeler prior to the July 31 MLB trade deadline, per a report.
The trade value of New York Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler had been decreasing as of late, with the July 31 trade deadline quickly approaching. Wheeler had been placed on the 10-day injured list on July 15 with shoulder fatigue, retroactive to Friday, July 12. He’s expected to return the mound on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, as his last outing was on July 7.
However, it seems that the IL placement won’t alter the ultimate trade possibility of Wheeler. Mike Mazzeo of Yahoo! Sports reports that Wheeler is likely to be dealt before the deadline.
Mazzeo writes, “A team source told Yahoo Sports that chances are ‘pretty high’ Wheeler won’t be a Met on August 1.
“‘It’s just where we’re at,’ the source said. ‘If we played better in San Francisco (over the weekend), it might have changed everything.'”
The Mets would hope to get some bullpen assistance in return for dealing Wheeler. New York is currently 28th in the majors with an overall bullpen ERA of 5.22. Their relievers are arguably their biggest issue.
If Wheeler were to be dealt, he would most likely only end up as a rental for whichever team he ends up pitching for. Wheeler’s current contract expires at the end of this season.
Thus far in 2019, Wheeler is posting a record of 6-6 with an ERA of 4.69 and a WHIP of 1.277. He currently has 130 strikeouts and 34 walks through 19 starts (119.0 innings pitched).
