Zack Wheeler was involved in a number of trade rumors the past few days as the Mets looked to add a big bat to their lineup. New York’s GM Sandy Alderson said he got a call from Wheeler, with him expressing his desire to stay with the Mets, according to Mike Vorkunov of Newark Star-Ledger.
“(It) actually had quite an impact,” Alderson said. “Really expressed his desire to remain a Mets, his excitement for being part of the organization and being part of what is happening here. Acknowledged it was a business but at the same time wanted to express his feelings to me. I can’t say it was dispositive of what took place because I acknowledged back to him yes it’s a business.”
“Again, if you go back to Wednesday and even this conversation, we’re talking about human beings. We all develop an attachment to each other and whatever capacity we serve so it’s hard. Anyway, I appreciated the fact Zack reached out.”
The 25-year-old was acquired by the Mets in 2011 in the trade that sent Carlos Beltran to the Giants.
Wheeler had Tommy John surgery and flexor pronator surgery in March. The right-hander want be available to pitch until midseason next year.
