MLB Trade Rumors: Tampa Bay Rays were in pursuit of New York Mets RHP Zack Wheeler

The Tampa Bay Rays were in heavy pursuit of right-handed pitcher Zach Wheeler of the New York Mets ahead of today’s 4 PM trade deadline.

Wheeler would have joined an injury plagued Rays rotation that has heavily relied on veteran Charlie Morton and openers this season. With Tyler Glasnow not expcted to return in the near future and Blake Snell being sidelined for several more weeks, the Rays are in need of another front line starting pitcher to add to their rotation.

The Rays interest in Wheeler had been known for several weeks now; he is set to become a free agent this off-season. Thus far in 2019, Wheeler hasn’t produced the greatest results but that should see improvement over the second half of the season. Overall, he has accumulated a 4.71 ERA / 3.65 FIP with a 25.9 K% and 6.4 BB% over 124 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Rays have submitted an offer to the Mets, but the two sides could not come together. It’s likely their offer was built around what would later be traded in inured RHP Ryne Stanek and prospect OF Jesus Sanchez (No. 48 overall), who were sent to the Miami Marlins for RHRP Nick Anderston and RHSP Trevor Richards.

It has already been a busy deadline for the Rays, as they have acquired 2018 All-Star 1B Jesus Aguilar, among several other moves.