Report: Phillies viewed as top bidder for Wheeler
The market for free-agent right-hander Zack Wheeler continues to grow, and it looks like one team has emerged as the front-runner.
As the bidding for Wheeler's services continues, the Philadelphia Phillies appear to be his top suitor, reports ESPN's Buster Olney.
Arguably the best starting pitcher available in free agency after Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg, Wheeler is expected to land a deal of at least five years that exceeds $100 million, according to a recent report.
The big-budget Phillies need starting pitching help. The rotation's 4.64 ERA ranked 17th in the majors last season and its combined 7.6 WAR was near the bottom of the league, according to FanGraphs.
After spending lavishly last offseason, Philadelphia missed the playoffs, finishing fourth in the NL East with a disappointing 81-81 record.
Wheeler is coming off back-to-back solid campaigns and would fit the Phillies' needs.
Wheeler's 2018-19 stats
| YEAR | IP | ERA | FIP | WHIP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 182.1 | 3.31 | 3.25 | 1.12 | 179 |
| 2019 | 195.1 | 3.96 | 3.48 | 1.26 | 195 |
The 29-year-old has also drawn interest from the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Wheeler has informed the Rangers he's no longer considering them, reports Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.