Mets Rumors: Zack Wheeler trade to the Yankees makes too much sense

The latest New York Mets rumors have linked pitcher Zack Wheeler to the New York Yankees. Will he hop on a Subway and join the Bombers this season?

Before the 2018 season is through, the New York Yankees may end up with one of the New York Mets pitchers. Unlike past Mets rumors, it’s not Jacob deGrom or Noah Syndergaard we’ll see in the Bronx. It’s Zack Wheeler.

According to Marc Carig of The Athletic, the Yankees “recently inquired” with the Mets about the availability of Wheeler.

This latest piece of the Mets rumors shouldn’t come as a complete shock. After all, the Yankees were on my list of the best trade destinations for Wheeler. It looks like Brian Cashman finally caught up with reading my work and is finally taking some action. Or perhaps not.

Wheeler has performed well this year. Though his 2-6 record and 4.42 ERA in 17 starts says otherwise, he has been hot of late. Poor run-support and a bullpen hellbent on blowing leads have hurt his overall record. The ERA is inflated from some early struggles, but trending in the right direction.

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Wheeler would be a perfect fit for the Yankees. Think about it. He shouldn’t come at a huge price in terms of prospects. With a salary of $1.9 on the year, the Yankees will pay less than a million once any deal is done. This saves them from going over the luxury tax threshold and allows them to save themselves from paying any penalties.

Maybe most important to Yankees fans, they don’t need to worry about whether or not Wheeler can pitch in New York. He’s clearly capable of handling the Big Apple’s media and pressure. Even if he has done it with the Mets, it’s not exactly Kansas City.

Simply put: Wheeler can handle the pressure.

As for what would go back to the Mets in return for Wheeler, we need to look at the second-tier.

Unfortunately for the Mets, many of their best minor leaguers are pitchers which they have plenty of. Nevertheless, I don’t doubt the Mets would take a good arm in return for Wheeler. A guy like Domingo Acevedo along with one lesser player could possibly get the deal done.

The debate with any Wheeler trade is whether the Mets should deal him or not. Considering the Mets have another year of control with him, the only chance they have at striking a deal would be if they get something notable back in return. Otherwise, why move him so soon? Unless, of course, you know his trade value will never be this high again.

I’m one of those non-believers who think the Mets should deal Wheeler while he’s wanted.

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As hard as it would be to stomach seeing him with the Yankees, if it means a brighter tomorrow, it’s a dirty job that needs to get done.