Zack Wheeler, RHP, NYM
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The New York Mets refused to trade Zack Wheeler at the deadline because they wanted him to offer him the qualifying offer. He will get the one-year $17.8 million offer from the Mets, but New York should focus on signing him to a multi-year contract, at least three years.
Last season, the Mets had a top-five rotation in the major leagues with Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Wheeler, Marcus Stroman, and Steven Matz. GM Van Wagenen has made it clear the Syndergaard is not going to be traded, so the team should capitalize on that window by making the rotation as strong as possible while they still have him.
The 29-year-old went 11-8 this season, striking out 195 batters over 196 innings. Both were career highs.
He displayed that he is a durable starter and can go deep into ballgames. He ranked 9th in the National League in innings pitched.
He does not have as much mileage on his arm as normal soon-to-be 30-year-old would because he did not pitch at all during the 2015 and 2016 season due to Tommy John Surgery.
The New York Mets have seen that Wheeler can be a beast when he is healthy. He could be due for a big 2020.