SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Zack Wheeler for one more year was in the Mets’ plans, but can the organization stomach a potential bidding war for him?
The right-hander took a leap toward departing the Mets on Thursday when – as expected – he declined the club’s qualifying offer for 2020 worth $17.8 million. Wheeler will now explore a potential mega-deal, with teams such as the Braves, Yankees, Dodgers and Angels in need of starting pitching and possibly willing to pay big.
If Wheeler signs with another club, the Mets would receive draft-pick compensation because the qualifying offer is attached to him.