New York Mets: Worst case scenario involving Zack Wheeler’s future

The worst case scenario for fans involving current New York Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler would involve seeing him play for a pair of rivals in the next 365 days.

From a New York Mets perspective, what’s the worst that could happen with Zack Wheeler in the future? Outside of the obvious such as injury, the worst thing this team and its fans could see is Wheeler suit up for a pair of rivals over the next 365 days.

Wheeler is expected to be one of this year’s hottest trade deadlines pieces. A low salary, no commitment beyond 2019, and some nasty stuff when he’s at his best all make him a chip many teams will seek out. One of those notable contenders in need of a starter call New York home. As I’m sure you’ve already read or heard somewhere, there’s speculation about the Mets and Yankees making a deal for the righty free-agent-to-be.

The chances of this happening are slim. Until he’s in another team’s uniform, I cannot fully say it’s impossible. Stranger things have happened. The Mets hired a pitching coach to become the manager. A year later, they hired an agent to become the general manager.

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If Wheeler ends up with the Yankees and helps them win a World Series in 2019, it may feel like a worst case scenario. Regardless of what the Mets get back in the trade, it’s going to sting.

This is just the tip of a possible apocalypse involving Wheeler’s future. The Georgia native is a good fit to return home this winter and sign up to play for the Atlanta Braves.

What’s worse than seeing Wheeler succeed with the Yankees for three months? The answer is competing against him regularly for several seasons as he potentially wins with the Braves.

Wheeler is someone Mets fans have watched grow up as a player. His awesome second-half in 2018 gave hope the team could lock him up long-term.

Unfortunately, he hasn’t had a consistent enough 2019 to appear as someone they would hold onto through the trade deadline and potentially offer a qualifying offer to—which he could possibly accept in this scenario.

Plenty of Mets have moved on from Flushing and played for rivals. Wheeler could become a rare one who suits up for two of those teams in a matter of months.

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It’s the worst case scenario none of us want to see.