Zack Wheeler wants to be Met when they're a contender

Zack Wheeler wants to stay with the Mets and hopes to replicate some of the success he's missed out on since his trade from the Giants.

In 2011, the Giants were hoping to repeat as World Series champs when they dealt Wheeler to the Mets for Carlos Beltran in late July. Since then, the Giants have won two more titles and Wheeler has established himself as a budding young pitcher with the Mets.

"I came from the Giants so I saw it happen over there -- a lot of homegrown talent and guys coming up and stuff,'' said Wheeler, whom the Giants drafted sixth overall in 2009. "They've won three World Series. So it sort of puts a bitter taste in my mouth. And now I want to do that here with these guys.''

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson has shown no eagerness to dip into his stash of young arms to trade for an upgrade over Wilmer Flores at shortstop. For now, the trade market for shortstops is quiet, and the Mets aren't enamored of their free-agent options. The pitching-starved Cubs have shown no indication that they're willing to trade Starlin Castro, who could be the most attractive shortstop available in the market.

But Wheeler, 24, profiles as an attractive piece in any such trade, especially after showing steady improvement in his first full season in the majors. He pitched 1851/3 innings, going 11-11 with a 3.54 ERA.

Though he endured the typical physical rigors that young pitchers face, Wheeler pitched through the season uninterrupted. He saw better results in the second half, when he pitched to a 3.04 ERA compared to a 3.90 mark in the first half.

Wheeler made it clear that his preference is to stay put, convinced that a turnaround is near.

"I'd rather not get traded, but I've been through it before,'' he said. "I know how it goes, I know it's a business. But like I said, I'd rather not get traded and stay here, because I know what's about to happen here . . . we're going to win.''

Various Mets have spent the offseason speaking openly about gunning for their first postseason berth since 2006. Wheeler joined their ranks Thursday, citing the return of ace Matt Harvey from Tommy John surgery and the overall strength of the starting rotation.

Said Wheeler: "If you're human, you can only look at our [pitching] staff and be like, 'yeah, they're going to make it to the playoffs.' ''

Roessler to join Mets. To round out their coaching staff, the Mets again have turned to a person with Yankees ties. A source confirmed that the Mets will hire Pat Roessler to serve as assistant hitting coach, though his job will include additional duties. Roessler previously served as director of player development for the Yankees. He'll be reunited with hitting coach Kevin Long, who served in the same capacity with the Yankees.

Syndergaard added to roster.Top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard was among six minor- leaguers added to the 40-man roster to shield them from the Rule 5 draft. The Mets also added pitchers Cory Mazzoni, Hansel Robles, Gabriel Ynoa, Akeel Morris and Jack Leathersich to the 40-man roster. To make room, righthander Jeff Walters was outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Notes & quotes: Vic Black has started a workout regimen, an encouraging sign for the reliever, whose season was cut short by neck and shoulder issues . . . Black and Wheeler spent part of Thursday with other Mets staffers in delivering Thanksgiving meals to needy families . . . Mets single-game tickets go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Friday.