Fansided

One free agent each MLB team needs to target this offseason

By Joshua Sadlock

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 15: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets in action against the Los Angeles Dodgers during of a game at Citi Field on September 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 15: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets in action against the Los Angeles Dodgers during of a game at Citi Field on September 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Houston Astros: Zack Wheeler

As much as the Astros would love to keep Gerrit Cole after his monster two years in Houston, the writing seems to be on the wall. Cole was already putting distance between himself and the team within minutes of the World Series loss, while his teammates talked openly about his desire to return home to California. The Yankees also need an ace and have not been to a World Series in over a decade. If they want Cole, they’ll have a record-smashing offer on the table.

For the Astros, replacing a starter who went 20-5 with a 2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts will be virtually impossible. Knowing Cole was likely on the way out the door may have played a role in Houston’s trade for Zack Greinke at the deadline. Greinke’s presence for a full year, along with the return of Lance McCullers from Tommy John, should help cover for Cole’s loss.

Related Story. 5 players the Astros could trade this offseason. light

Houston will return a stacked rotation next year even without Cole, but should still be looking to replace him via free agency. No team has done more to revitalize pitchers’ careers than the Astros, and all three AL Cy Young finalists this year are a testament to that fact. There is a very obvious candidate in this year’s crop of free agents for an Astros-style makeover – Zack Wheeler.

Wheeler enters free agency after seven very frustrating seasons with the Mets. The 29-year-old right-hander pitched in only five of those seasons, missing all of 2015 and 2016 and throwing only 86.1 innings in 2017. He has been fully healthy the last two years and has posted a 23-15 record with a 3.65 ERA and 8.9 strikeouts per nine in 377.2 innings.

Wheeler has the type of power arsenal that the Astros have been able to ramp up with their use of analytics. The big righty has yet to reach his full potential, but the Astros have to believe they can be the team that takes him over the top and turns him into an All-Star.

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