The New York Mets aren’t seeing they of quality and or acceptable production they need from pitcher Zack Wheeler. The right-hander is proving to be another unhelpful and unreliable spot in the Mets rotation that could be filled with someone capable of doing what he is asked to. Wheeler cannot handle the workload and responsibility. Any player who can’t stay healthy and put some wins in the mix for a team is a burden. That’s what Wheeler has become.
The Mets Need to Part Ways with Zack Wheeler
Years ago, Wheeler phoned GM Sandy Alderson and asked to remain in New York. Sandy respected that desire, but Wheeler has still not yet lived up to his end of the bargain. Wheeler has been significantly ineffective and a huge let down over the past few years.
The Mets have been looking to deal the right-hander for quite some time now. He remains a mystery; comebacks and effective outings have elduded the pitcher once thought to be the team’s savior.
Poor health has been a detriment to Wheeler and the Mets over the years, and will continue to be moving forward. What Wheeler would bring back to the Mets in a trade would likely be insignificant. Wheeler is not drawing interest because teams know he cannot be relied on to represent an organization properly, or to stay on the field.
Wheeler’s Numbers over the Past Few Years
Note: Wheeler underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015 and he was sidelined for a significant period of time.
In 2013, Wheeler posted a 3.42 ERA, while totaling seven wins and five losses. In 2014, he put up 11 wins, 11 losses, and a 3.54 ERA. In 2017, he’s regressed horribly. He owns three wins, seven losses, and a 5.21 ERA. The Mets have been patient, and a little more patient than required. This has become a case of a starting pitcher not putting forth his best work, or at least not making as much progress as he should.
Wheeler’s failure to meet expectations is unfortunate. This team desperately needs each player to be ready to go bringing their A-games. Setbacks are not uncommon with major injuries, but Wheeler is clearly at a point of imploding and is seeing a decline in his career. The Mets cannot rely on Wheeler to bring about a change that they so need. If they can get rid of Wheeler, even if the trade value is not that great, it would be very wise to take the opportunity. His spot in the rotation could be filled, and he may just one day get back in a groove. The Mets need their very best starters, and Wheeler hasn’t been that.
All in all, Zack Wheeler has been a huge disappointment for the Mets. A desire to remain a Met is nice, but a playing resume with quality starts is what should really get a player his job.
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