Zack Wheeler may not finish the season with the Mets.
The Yankees are interested in dealing for the 29-year-old starter and the Mets will "have no issues" sending him to their crosstown rivals, according to a report from SNY. The two New York teams have, at times, been hesitant to complete trades in the past.
The Yankees have one Zack Wheeler on the short list of players they'd like to acquire, and the Mets will "have no issues" trading him to the Yankees if he is made available.
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 3, 2019
(@martinonyc) pic.twitter.com/8I6AtnTQ4K
Wheeler holds a 6-5 record with a 4.42 ERA in 18 starts so far in 2019. He has spent his entire MLB career with the Mets.
“Honestly, I hate change,” Wheeler told The Athletic earlier this week. “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 entered play Wednesday with a 39-47 record and have lost seven of their last nine. They’re six games behind the Cubs for the second wild-card spot and trail the Braves by 11 games in the National League East.
“I’m not just saying that because it’s the right thing to say,” Wheeler said. “I’ve got history here. I love the team. I love everything about it here. Sure, some things could maybe get better. But I love it here all around. I love playing here.”
Wheeler also has been linked to the Braves and Brewers, among others.
The Yankees, meanwhile, are expected to add a starter before the July 31 trade deadline. They've reportedly explored dealing for Marcus Stroman and Madison Bumgarner, as well.