The trade deadline is quickly approaching and the Yankees could make a deal with their cross-town rival to bring Zack Wheeler to the Bronx.
According to Marc Carig of The Athletic, the Yankees have called the Mets about a starting pitcher, but his name is not Cy Young contender Jacob deGrom, instead, Cashman has inquired about starter Zack Wheeler.
With deGrom not being available on the market, this is a move the Yankees should strongly consider making if they can not find another pitcher for a decent asking price on the open market.
Zack Wheeler has had a decent year up until this point, posting an ERA of 4.42 in just under 100 innings pitched. He clearly isn’t the top of the rotation arm that the Yankees are looking for, but Wheeler has seemed to find his footing lately, having a very impressive month of June.
This past month, Wheeler has posted an ERA of 3.26 in just under 40 innings pitched and six starts. During this stretch, the 28-year-old struck out 33 batters and only walked 13, he also only allowed two home runs, which is key for his success.
Wheeler has also found the velocity he once had before his Tommy John surgery with his fastball. He is ranging from about 96-99 and even topping out at 100 mph in most starts, but most importantly Wheeler has found his secondary pitches including his slider, change-up, and curveball, which have all been plus pitches for him over the last month and a half.
https://unhingednewyork.com/product/unhinged-beachtown/
It is not clear at the moment that the Mets are willing to trade the right-hander who they once had a ton of confidence, but the Yankees could land him for a package that would not hurt the farm system too badly.
Joining a winning ballclub could bring out the best in Wheeler, who just may need a change of scenery to get his career back on track. There is no better place for th28-year-old to do so than in pinstripes and in the middle of an intense division race.