Zack Wheeler calls Sandy Alderson to make his pitch to stay with Mets
In this Sept. 25, 2014 file photo, Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler delivers against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of the second baseball game of a doubleheader in Washington. Credit: AP
With his name again popping up in trade rumors, injured Mets righthander Zack Wheeler called general manager Sandy Alderson Friday with a personal appeal to remain with the team.
Though it didn't sway the Mets' trade talks, Alderson said the early afternoon call nevertheless made "quite an impact."
During the conversation, Alderson said Wheeler "really expressed his desire to remain a Met, his excitement for being part of the organization, for being part of what is happening here."
The comments were similar to ones that Wheeler made publicly on Wednesday after the last-minute disintegration of a trade that would have sent him to the Brewers for Carlos Gomez.
Wheeler, recovering from Tommy John surgery, found himself at the center of another potential trade for the Reds' Jay Bruce, according to a source.
That deal remained on the table for a week before the teams exchanged medical information Friday. But while talks were serious, a deal never came close. The Reds expressed second thoughts before returning with higher demands.
Alderson had said he intended to speak with Wheeler at some point. The pitcher beat him to it, placing a call in the early afternoon.
Said Alderson: "I appreciated the fact that Zack reached out."
