New York Mets Rumors: Zack Wheeler trade interest growing

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 12: Pitcher Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets throws a pitch in the first inning during the game against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 12, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 12: Pitcher Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets throws a pitch in the first inning during the game against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 12, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)

The latest New York Mets rumors involving pitcher Zack Wheeler are positive for those hoping the orange and blue trade him this summer.

The New York Mets may not trade Jacob deGrom or Noah Syndergaard this summer, but it’s beginning to look like a deal for another starting pitcher could take place. According to the latest Mets rumors, Zack Wheeler is drawing some trade interest.

As previously noted on Rising Apple, there was an idea thrown around that the Mets may have put deGrom and Syndergaard on the market to gauge interest in Wheeler. The veteran righty is a free agent after 2019 and not someone with who fits in with their future plans. It would make sense to trade him now while he seems to have figured things out on the mound.

Anyway who acquires Wheeler does run the risk of adding a pitcher with an injury history. Wheeler missed two full seasons in 2015 and 2016 only to return in 2017 with lackluster numbers.

Since coming back, Wheeler has made 32 starts for the Mets over the last two seasons. He’s 5-13 over that time with a less than incredible 4.83 ERA.

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This doesn’t mean all hope is lost in dealing Wheeler. If you’ve paid attention to the trade market this summer, you will have seen how few options are out there for buyers to acquire.

Aside from a poor May, Wheeler has been solid in 2018. He finished April 2-1 with a 4.09. In June, he went 0-2 in six starts yet still managed a 3.26 ERA. Blame the Mets offense and bullpen for the goose egg in the win column and impressive ERA.

May was a different story. In those five outings, Wheeler went 0-3 with a 6.43 ERA. This poor month raised his ERA to 4.47 on the year, likely doing at least a little damage to his value.

In other Mets rumors news, the front office’s three-headed monster is reportedly willing to listen to offers on deGrom and Syndergaard. This isn’t anything new. When Sandy Alderson sat on the Iron Throne, the same information was reported.

Wheeler may not be the most exciting trade piece out there in Major League Baseball. However, with a year of control and a low salary, teams will most certainly have interest. As a fifth starter, he can surely help someone make a run at a championship.

Next: Trade destinations for Noah Syndergaard

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Do you think the Mets will trade Wheeler? If so, what are some of the destinations you think are a fit?