Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |
The Mets have received more interest in Zack Wheeler than on any other player since Carlos Beltran in 2011, but they have sent mixed signals over the past few days about whether they intend to trade him after all.
On Wednesday, I heard from people directly involved in Wheeler talks that he could move at any minute, and would likely be traded after Asdrubal Cabrera. As recently as Friday, the Mets were talking to Milwaukee about a deal that would send both players to the Brewers.
Cabrera went to Philadelphia instead, and after many trade discussions on Wheeler, the Mets remain active. But I'm sensing the temperature decreasing on the chances of Wheeler moving, as the team considers hanging on to him and competing next year.
The basic problem is the Mets are valuing Wheeler based on how he is pitching now, and other teams are valuing him based on his inconsistent career. It has been harder to find a match than the Mets thought it would be. That could still change before Tuesday.
So while trade talks are ongoing, I would downgrade "any minute" to "still possible."