The New York Mets are now reportedly “more likely” to deal right-hander Zack Wheeler than right-hander Noah Syndergaard.
Per recent reports, the New York Mets seemed more likely to deal Noah Syndergaard before Wednesday’s trade deadline than Zack Wheeler. This was due to the fact that the Mets acquired All-Star right-hander Marcus Stroman in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Additional reports actually stated that the Mets were considering extending Wheeler. His contract expires at the end of this season.
But now, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Mets are leaning more towards dealing Wheeler than Thor.
Mets still engaged on Syndergaard (who’s been linked to SD, Hou, NYY, Oak and Minn) but still seem much more likely to deal Wheeler. Makes sense. Stroman trade highlighted Mets interest in 2020; Noah under control thru 2021, Wheeler a FA after year.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2019
The team most-linked to Wheeler happens to be the Houston Astros, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
The Houston #Astros will come away with one more starter by Wednesday, and two GMs predict it will be Zack Wheeler from the #Mets
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 29, 2019
Wheeler would most likely only be a rental for whoever lands him because, again, his contract is expiring. Thus far in 2019, he’s 7-6 with an ERA of 4.71 and a WHIP of 1.271 through 20 starts (124.1 innings pitched).
Syndergaard, on the other hand, is 7-5 with an ERA of 4.33 and a WHIP of 1.263 through 20 starts (126.2 innings pitched).
If the Mets decide to deal either of these pitchers, they need to do it with the mindset of getting some bullpen assistance in return. The Mets bullpen has arguably been their main issue this season. Their relievers are ranked 28th in the majors with a combined 5.24 ERA and 27th with a .268 BAA.
It’s understandable that Wheeler would be the No. 1 choice to deal over Syndergaard. A rotation including Syndergaard, Stroman, and 2018 Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom most definitely sounds dominant.
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