New York Mets Rumors: Zack Wheeler Not On The Block?

New York Mets Rumors: After shopping Zack Wheeler at the MLB Trade deadline in 2015, have the Mets taken their former top prospect off the trading block?

The New York Mets had an eventful 2015 trade deadline that helped shape the team into the force they became the last two months. They rode that to a World Series appearance, losing to the Kansas City Royals in five games. That run could have looked a lot different potentially, had their original blockbuster trade went through.

Prior to acquiring Yoenis Cespedes from the Detroit Tigers, the Mets had a deal in place with the Milwaukee Brewers. They would have received Carlos Gomez, sending Zack Wheeler and Wilmer Flores to the Brewers. Everyone remembers the emotional Flores, who was seen crying on the field as he was being informed of the news seemingly most of the organization was unaware of.

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That trade eventually fell through, but another one involving Wheeler was quickly being put together. The Mets were in talks with the Cincinnati Reds that would have sent Wheeler there in exchange for Jay Bruce. This time, the Reds pulled out, and the Mets moved on to the Cespedes trade.

Wheeler was not a part of that trade, but with the MLB Hot Stove now heating up, some people believe the Mets will be inclined to try and move Wheeler again. With Cespedes and Daniel Murphy potentially leaving as free agents, the Mets offense could have some holes in it, so Wheeler was picked as a player that could be used to help fill those gaps.

While Wheeler has some work to get to the same level of Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz, he is still someone the Mets would like to have around. According to ESPN New York, Mets’ officials say that it is very unlikely that Wheeler will be dealt this winter.

Add in Jon Niese, and the Mets would seem to have their starting rotation set. But, if they learned anything from this season, it is that you can never have enough starting pitching, as injuries will unfortunately happen. Having Wheeler, who is expected to be healthy enough to return in June or July, would give the Mets some insurance.

While the prospect of trading Wheeler for another bat makes sense, it is one that is losing it’s luster as he is getting closer and closer to returning. At the trade deadline, it made sense for the Mets to shop his potential, as they needed a boost for the playoff push. But with him getting closer to returning, the Mets would like to see that potential for themselves.

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Expect Wheeler to be on the Mets when Spring Training comes around, as he should make it through the winter without being moved. The Mets will have to explore other avenues to replace whichever players depart as free agents in the coming weeks and months.

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