Trade Rumors: Could the Detroit Tigers Land Zack Wheeler?
By Matt Snyder
According to a report by Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, the Mets have discussed the possibility of moving young starting pitcher Zack Wheeler with at least one team this trade season.
"Multiple major league sources told me and the News’ Kristie Ackert that the Mets have talked about Wheeler in trade discussions this month, but remain unlikely to move him. Still, the very possibility shows that the team is still seeking a bat, and perhaps a big one."
Wheeler has missed the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but the 25-year maintains plenty of long-term potential and already has a track record of Major League success (a 3.50 ERA in 285 big league innings).
RELATED: Stay up to date with the latest trade rumors
More from Detroit Tigers
- Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
- Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
- 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings
- Javier Baez Listed Among Worst Contracts in MLB by The Athletic
- Tigers’ Interest in Kenta Maeda Could be a Disaster for 2024 and Beyond
Wheeler would be a huge get for the Detroit Tigers — and the possibility would seem remote — but the Tigers would seem to have what they are looking for in Yoenis Cespedes. The Mets outfielders have produced the third-worst batting line in all of baseball at the position (an 88 wRC+) and recently had to place Michael Cuddyer on the disabled list due to nagging injuries.
Still, the idea of landing a high-upside arm like Wheeler seems like a pie-in-the-sky dream, but the Mets are apparently willing to at least discuss the prospect of a deal.
The Mets are saying that they have the ability to add to the payroll to get a player they need, but the franchise has been notoriously disinclined to spend money in recent years, so the Tigers would probably increase their odds at landing a player like Wheeler if they were also willing to carry the cost of Cespedes’ contract for the rest of the season.
To be clear, this isn’t a likely scenario for the Tigers. The Mets would be smart not to let Wheeler go for only two months of Cespedes, but they’re currently awash in young starting pitching and may see the injured Wheeler as somewhat expendable. And if Detroit dangles the carrot of carrying the monetary cost, it might be enough to make the Mets bite.
We can dream, at least.
Next: Detroit Tigers and the Anger of the Fans