MLB trade rumors: Yankees, Mets talk Zack Wheeler?

by Felix Pantaleón

The New York Mets could trade Zack Wheeler, Noah Syndergaard or Jacob deGrom before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wants to upgrade his starting rotation. Is there a match between the two ballclubs?

If you’re tired of reading another story about the Yankees‘ rumored interest in Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado, try this on for size.

We all know general manager Brian Cashman would love to upgrade the starting rotation before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.

We all know the names out there: Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer, Tampa Bay Rays right-handers Chris Archer and Nathan Eovaldi, Texas Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels and Toronto Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ.

We all know the Mets could have the best trade chips, if they move Noah Syndergaard or Jacob deGrom.

What we didn’t know until Thursday is that the Mets might be willing to move Zack Wheeler … to the Yankees, per The Athletic’s Marc Carig:

A Yankees-Mets trade still seems quite unlikely. But the Yankees have recently inquired about Zack Wheeler, who has pitched better of late. Since June 1, he has a 3.44 ERA for the Mets. Perhaps, it’s just due diligence.

Scout predicts cost for Yanks to get a starter

Wheeler, 28, owns a 4.42 ERA in 17 starts this season. While that ERA doesn’t jump off the charts, Wheeler appears healthy, is throwing hard and sports a FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) of 3.70. If the Yankees think his stuff will continue to lead to success, a possible upgrade for the stretch run can likely be had without surrendering a haul.

Wheeler is under team control through the 2019 season and will be arbitration eligible after the 2018 campaign concludes.

(NJ Advance Media’s Joe Giglio contributed to this report.)

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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