New York Mets Will Wait To Promote Top Prospect Zack Wheeler

Currently sitting at 14-20, good for fourth in the National League East, the New York Mets could use a shot in the arm – one that top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler could potentially deliver. And he might – but it wont be for another month at the minimum, this according to a source close to the Mets organization.

Wheeler, who was the key piece acquired from the San Francisco Giants in a 2011 trade for Carlos Beltran has struggled at times with his command, but is still widely considered one of the best prospects in baseball – ranked as high as 8th by MLB.com earlier this year.

There’s no doubt the Mets could use his electric arm and use it right now, but thanks to his arbitrational clock, it’s going to be a waiting game.

Per ESPN New York:

"If avoiding an extra year of arbitration eligibility for Zack Wheeler is important to the Mets — and a team insider says it is a priority — the top prospect may not make his major league debut for another month."

Wheeler currently is striking out more than a batter an inning at AAA Las Vegas, having thrown 43 1/3 innings while striking out 47.

The late call up should keep Wheeler from becoming a Super Two qualifier, gaining the Mets an extra year of his services down the road.