Maybe free agency isn’t completely broken?
Zack Wheeler certainly has a market this offseason and he’s drawn enough interest that he’ll reportedly get at least $100 million when he finally signs a contract. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Wheeler has already received one $100 million offer from a team.
The White Sox, who have been in the mix for Wheeler since the start of free agency, are still one of several teams pursuing the right-hander even with his price range increasing in the past month.
Via The Athletic.
Wheeler, 29, has received at least one $100 million offer and will land a five-year deal in excess of that amount, according to major-league sources.
The White Sox, Twins, Reds, Rangers and Blue Jays are among the clubs pursuing Wheeler, who is the leading free-agent alternative to fellow right-handers Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg even though his career ERA+ (ERA adjusted to park and league) is exactly league average.
Although Wheeler has suffered several injuries throughout his career with the Mets, his durability and effectiveness the last two seasons coupled with throwing less than 800 IP since making his MLB debut, make him clearly the third best starting pitcher in free agency.
We’ve already seen some big signings, including the White Sox inking Yasmani Grandal to a four-year deal. According to Jon Heyman, there’s a good chance Wheeler signs before the start of next week’s Winter Meetings.
Wheeler has a 3.77 ERA in 126 career starts all with the Mets.
The White Sox outbid everyone else for Grandal. Will Rick Hahn be wiling to go the extra mile to sign Wheeler to $100 million+?
