New York Mets: Brewers Wanted Zack Wheeler for Jonathan Lucroy
The New York Mets decided not to trade Zack Wheeler for Jonathan Lucroy, hoping the right-hander would help their postseason push.
Jonathan Lucroy was a popular player during the trade deadline. Before being traded to the Texas Rangers, Lucroy was traded to the Cleveland Indians. He ended up blocking the trade over some details with the Indians. One of the other teams in the mix for Lucroy was the New York Mets. The reason the Mets did not complete a deal for Lucroy was the asking price. The Brewers wanted former first round pick Zack Wheeler in return.
Wheeler, 26, is eyeing a return after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March of 2015. He pitched one scoreless inning for Class-A St. Lucie on Saturday. In 2014 Wheeler went 11-11 with a 3.54 ERA. In 2012, he was considered the Mets’ #1 prospect by Baseball America. Wheeler’s return from surgery was delayed by five weeks after a stitch was removed and caused nerve irritation which led to a cortisone shot. Mets manager Terry Collins said in late July that he expects Wheeler to rejoin the Mets rotation by the start of September.
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Wheeler will be a nice addition to a rotation that needs the help. While Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard have pitched well this season, the team is still looking for a long-term fill-in for Matt Harvey. Harvey is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery. Logan Verrett has been substituting for Harvey but has struggled of late. He has posted a 4.66 ERA in 83 innings this year. Wheeler will definitely be a boost for the Mets down the stretch as they look to make a late season push.
The Mets did not make the deal for Lucroy because of the need for Wheeler down the stretch. They ended up keeping Wheeler and still improved their team at the deadline. Instead of getting the deal done for Lucroy, the Mets ended up trading with the Reds for outfielder Jay Bruce. The Mets sent 22-year-old second baseman Dilson Herrera and 19-year-old left-hander Max Wotell to the Reds in the deal. In six games since joining the Mets, Bruce is hitting .167 with two home runs.
The move for Bruce was questioned by a lot of people as the Mets already had a full outfield. Yoenis Cespedes has been hurt of late, but when he returns the Mets will have a decision to make. With Granderson in center, Cespedes in left and Michael Conforto in right, the Mets will have to bench someone to make room for the National League RBI leader. Conforto seems to be the likely option to be moved to the bench.
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The Mets have been struggling as they currently sit at 57-54, 1.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot. The offense has been the downfall for the Mets. They are last in the majors in hitting with runners in scoring position with an average of a little over .200. They are on pace to have one of the worst seasons in MLB history in that category. The Mets did make some moves at the deadline but it does not seem like they have the team to make another run this season. Wheeler will look to help that cause.