Zack Wheeler seems to be hitting free agency at the right time. The former Mets right-hander’s market appears robust, according to a variety of reports.
The latest team interested is the Twins, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. With only Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi locked into their starting rotation for next year, and coming off a 101-win season, the Twins are seen as a major player, joined by the White Sox, Reds, Angels and Padres. The Yankees have also been linked as a team that could be interested.
Wheeler posted career-bests in innings pitched (195.1) and strikeouts (195) last year. That followed a 2018 season in which Wheeler had a 3.31 ERA and 179 strikeouts in 182.1 innings.
The 29-year-old, who earlier this month turned down the Mets’ $17.8 million qualifying offer, may not be as good as the top pitchers on the market such as Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg, but he won’t be as expensive.