MLB rumors: 5 trade targets for the Houston Astros

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 17: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets pitches in the first inning of an MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 17: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets pitches in the first inning of an MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Mike Stobe/Getty Images /

1. Zack Wheeler, SP, New York Mets

By manager Mickey Callaway’s own recent admission, the Mets (38-47 entering Tuesday, 12 games back in the NL East and 6.5 games back in the Wild Card race) will need a miracle to make the playoffs. Noah Syndergaard and Jason Vargas stand as starting pitchers who could be traded, but there’s a case for Wheeler to be the most coveted by contending teams.

Wheeler has a 4.51 ERA over 17 starts (107.2 innings; sixth in the NL) this season. But his peripherals are strong (9.6 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, 3.77 FIP) and he has delivered 10 quality starts while going at least six innings 14 times in his last 15 outings.

In the last year of his contract, and making a remarkably reasonable $5.975 million for that matter, Wheeler would be a rental for the Astros or any contender. But with the increased reinvention of Verlander pointing towards the team’s general ability to help pitchers find a new level, Houston could make a move for Wheeler and convince him to re-sign during the offseason. No matter what, Wheeler should be firmly on the Astros’ radar in the coming weeks.

Next. MLB rumors: 5 starters the Yankees should target. dark