Why the Mets should not trade Zack Wheeler at the deadline

As we approach the MLB trade deadline, Zack Wheeler is expected to be one of the players the New York Mets would likely deal if they’re in full sell mode. Not trading him also has its benefits.

It appears as though the 2019 season will be another lost year for the New York Mets. With a 40-50 record at the All-Star Break and the trade deadline looming later in July, the Mets will have several decisions to make. One of those questions involves what they should do with Zack Wheeler.

At age 29 and currently in a contract year, Wheeler will certainly be the subject of trade talks. However, the Mets would be making a mistake if they deal Wheeler at the deadline. Instead of trading Wheeler, the Mets should hold onto him for the rest of the 2019 season and give him a contract extension.

With a 4.69 ERA and already allowing a career-high 16 home runs, Wheeler has not had a great 2019 season. However, for those that follow Wheeler closely, the numbers do not tell the full story.

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At times, poor defense has let him down. Plus, Wheeler has been susceptible to one big inning putting a damper on his stat line. But, with his 2019 struggles, Wheeler likely will not be able to command the kind of contract we expected after his stellar 2018 season.

Wheeler is showing now that he can remain healthy. Despite his struggles in 2019, he’s proven to be a reliable number three or four starter. That’s why the Mets should hold onto him.

The reality is, this Mets team does not have a lot of pitching depth throughout their organization. If they trade Wheeler, they’ll have to fill this hole on their roster during free agency anyway. Wheeler also showed in the second half of his 2018 season that there still is number one or two starter upside.

So, it makes sense for the Mets to hold onto him.

Unless New York can get a trade offer they cannot refuse, they should extend Wheeler as soon as possible.

Think about this as well. The 2019 season is certainly not going well for the Amazins. However, if they had a respectable bullpen, the story would be much different.

They have a solid core to build around with Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Jacob deGrom. This offseason, they simply need to address relief pitching.

There’s no need for them to blow it up at the deadline and go through a total rebuild. From this day on, the team should be focused on next season. Not five years from now, but next season.

This is the best Mets offense that we’ve seen in quite some time. Brodie Van Wagenen should show his commitment to winning by giving Wheeler a contract extension as soon as possible.

If they trade him, they’re going to have to spend the money anyway for a starting pitcher in the offseason. Or they’ll face consequences for leaving a massive hole in the middle of their rotation.

How the Mets play this out will be interesting to see. But, holding onto Zack Wheeler would be a wise decision for this Mets team to retool for 2020.

There’s no need to create more holes on their roster unless they plan on going through a complete rebuild.

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