MLB trade rumors: Are the Astros targeting Mets starter Zack Wheeler?

E.Jay Zarett

MLB trade rumors: Are the Astros targeting Mets starter Zack Wheeler? image

The Astros appear to be interested in Zack Wheeler.

Houston “will come away” with at least one starter before the July 31 deadline and two rival general managers believe the team will land Wheeler in a deal with the Mets, according to USA Today.

The Astros had been pursuing New York starter Noah Syndergaard, but “backed off” because they did not want prospect Kyle Tucker to be included in the deal, according to The Athletic.

Houston entered play Monday in first place of the American League West with a 68-39 record. However, they lack depth in their rotation behind Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Wade Miley.

"We can win a seven-game series against any playoff team right now,” Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said last week, via the Houston Chronicle. “That doesn’t mean there’s not going to be an opportunity that presents itself to bring in another starter who could be a playoff rotation starter. We’re looking at them."

The Mets, meanwhile, acquired right-hander Marcus Stroman from the Blue Jays on Sunday in exchange for two pitching prospects, yet they’re reportedly still looking to move Wheeler, who holds a 7-6 record with a 4.71 ERA in 20 starts so far in 2019.

“You hear it and see it,” Wheeler said recently about the trade rumors, via MLB.com. “But my concentration is here, doing my job. Whatever happens, happens. You can’t control it. You’re going to try to do the best you can whenever you go out there.”

The righty has spent his entire MLB career with the Mets and will be a free agent after the season.

“Honestly, I hate change,” Wheeler told The Athletic last month. “I’m a homebody. I like the group of guys we’ve got here. … I can’t tell you how many years my name has been in trade talks. I’m kind of used to it right now. But it never gets easy.”

The Mets headed into action Monday six games out of the second National League wild-card spot. They also sent starter Jason Vargas to the Phillies earlier in the day.

 

E.Jay Zarett