Morosi: Angels among four "leading contenders" for Zack Wheeler

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Wheeler market heating up

Outgoing Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler is going into his age-30 season and coming off a solid year in Queens. In a career-high 195 1/3 innings this past season, Wheeler registered an ERA+ of 102 with a K/BB ratio of 3.90. He also boasted an FIP of 3.48. He's made 60 starts over the last two seasons, and Wheeler still boasts excellent stuff. As such, he'll have a healthy market this winter. 

Speaking of which, Jon Morosi on MLB Network recently laid out the four leading contenders for Wheeler's services: the Angels, White Sox, Padres, and Twins. All of those pass the smell test. The White Sox and Padres need rotation help if they're going to be surprise contenders in 2020, and the Angels are freshly committed to building a contention-worthy roster around Mike Trout. That starts with an improved rotation. As for the Twins, the reigning AL Central champs are facing significant rotation losses in free agency. Wheeler's certainly not on par with fellow free agents Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg, but he also won't be as expensive. 

 

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-rumors-angels-padres-others-chasing-zack-wheeler-mets-eyeing-catchers-including-robinson-chirinos/

[tdawg87]

So basically we aren't interested.

[floplag]

Of all the "tier 2" guys, he makes the most sense in so many ways to me.
If we actually got him, Cole, and Grandal id do a happy dance.

[Second Base]

Yes, the Angels are interested in a good starting pitcher. 

Bang up job there Morosi. Now collect your money.

[Second Base]

But seriously though, if the Angels come away with Cole and Wheeler, and put Ohtani behind them in the rotation, they're going to be tough to beat.

That would also make next year's draft suck.

[Pancake Bear]

6 minutes ago, Second Base said:

Yes, the Angels are interested in a good starting pitcher. 

Bang up job there Morosi. Now collect your money.

What I like about the news? The Pads and Sox are the two other teams most interested. No mention of Yanks or Dogs or Phils.  

Also, assuming they aren’t looking at him instead of Cole but in addition to him, I like that they’re being aggressive. 

[Pancake Bear]

4 minutes ago, Second Base said:

But seriously though, if the Angels come away with Cole and Wheeler, and put Ohtani behind them in the rotation, they're going to be tough to beat.

That would also make next year's draft suck.

Yeah, but just think how much fun it’ll be to see Manfred take the comp pick away when he hammers them for their dirty cheating.

[Angelsfan1984]

Savage! No comp picks for FA lost...

[Docwaukee]

Just now, Sean-Regan said:

Yeah, but just think how much fun it’ll be to see Manfred take the comp pick away when he hammers them for their dirty cheating.

if they take away the comp pick, maybe they'll remove the loss of a draft pick for the team that signs Cole.  

[Angelsfan1984]

Not worried about losing a 2nd and 3rd rounder if it means title contention for the next 4-5 years.

[Chuck]

11 minutes ago, Second Base said:

Yes, the Angels are interested in a good starting pitcher. 

Bang up job there Morosi. Now collect your money.

Just like the weather man in Seattle. 

In today's forecast, RAIN. 

[Jay]

1 minute ago, Dochalo said:

if they take away the comp pick, maybe they'll remove the loss of a draft pick for the team that signs Cole.  

That's a great idea, so long as it's not the Yankees.

[Erstad Grit]

Wheeler now would be huge. Insurance while Cole and Stras take forever

[Chuck]

1 minute ago, Dochalo said:

if they take away the comp pick, maybe they'll remove the loss of a draft pick for the team that signs Cole.  

hmmmm. Good thinking there, Doc. 

[Tank]

9 minutes ago, Erstad Grit said:

Wheeler now would be huge. Insurance while Cole and Stras take forever

i think it also sends a message to them that the halos are serious about improving and contending and would like one of them to join the team. it also implies cole and strasburg won't have to carry the load only on their shoulders.

get 'er done, eppy.

[UndertheHalo]

The Angels will still have their 10th overall pick.  They wouldn’t have the 2nd and 3rd.  Don’t fu*ck up the 1st and scout well.  Jesus, have higher expectations guys. 

Edited November 21, 2019 by UndertheHalo

[Second Base]

Keep in mind, Wheeler, Cole and Strasburg are worth the sacrifice in 2nd and 3rd round picks. And the international bonus forfeiture.

It's just noting that it will cost more than money. 

[Duren, Duren]

Angels making an early semi-big signing would get positive momentum rolling. A new coach and pitching coach already insures a different philosophy. Wheeler may not be putting up Cy Young numbers, but he pretty much seems locked into providing a consistent quality start most of the time. 

And that is critical. Angels were worst in that category last year and need starters who can be dependable. Ideally a number two starter behind Cole/Strasburg or part of an upgraded  rotation with Ohtani in the mix. 

The Astros and Nationals were really exceptional having multiple Cy Young type pitchers on their staffs. But other teams made the playoffs with depth and reliability from their starters. Three or four very good starters can carry a team far even without the biggest stars. 

Spend the money shrewdly. Go after Cole or Strasburg  immediately and see what happens. But quickly jump to plan B if the response isn't encouraging before the other talent gets signed.

[angelsnationtalk]

Didn’t they break this news at the GM Meetings? 
Old news..... next please 

[Docwaukee]

Is this like being in first place in April?

[ukyah]

4 hours ago, floplag said:

Of all the "tier 2" guys, he makes the most sense in so many ways to me.
If we actually got him, Cole, and Grandal id do a happy dance.

i believe a "no shit" is in order here.

[nate]

His status as an oft-injured starting pitcher seems to make him an obvious choice for the Angels.

[ten ocho recon scout]

6 hours ago, Tank said:

get 'er done, eppy.

Uh, are you excusing yourself from your own responsibilities? 

[Tank]

46 minutes ago, ten ocho recon scout said:

Uh, are you excusing yourself from your own responsibilities? 

No, of course not. We simply have to maintain our public cover.

[tchula]

13 hours ago, Second Base said:

But seriously though, if the Angels come away with Cole and Wheeler, and put Ohtani behind them in the rotation, they're going to be tough to beat.

That would also make next year's draft suck.

I seriously doubt we'll lose a pick if we sign Cole.  I have a feeling the Astros won't be picking in the next three rounds of the MLB draft for at least 2 if not 3 years.