Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton is vehemently denying a report suggesting the team is fielding offers for right-hander Zack Wheeler.
Sources told Buster Olney of ESPN on Sunday that the Phillies told other clubs they're open to trading Wheeler - whom they signed to a five-year, $118-million contract last winter - due to a financial crunch.
"There's zero truth to this," Middleton told Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia in response to the rumor.
An angry Middleton sounded off further during a separate interview with Olney later Sunday. The managing partner accused executives from other teams of "lying" about Wheeler's availability.
"If they offered me Babe Ruth, I wouldn't trade him," Middleton said. "I have authorized no one to have a conversation about trading him."
However, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Monday that the Phillies were "quietly" speaking with clubs about Wheeler and also fielded inquiries about right-hander Aaron Nola and first baseman Rhys Hoskins.
Wheeler, 30, accrued a 2.92 ERA in 11 starts with the Phillies after being one of the most desired free agents last winter.
There's no indication yet that Philadelphia would be willing to move star outfielder Bryce Harper, who's entering his third season of a 13-year, $330-million pact, according to Olney.
Harper publicly stated after the 2020 campaign that he wanted the team to re-sign All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto. However, the club is reportedly unlikely to bring back the high-profile free agent after suffering massive financial losses during the pandemic-shortened campaign.
The Phillies laid off 80 employees following a spectator-less regular season, Olney adds.
Philadelphia, which missed the playoffs for a ninth consecutive year in 2020, is also reportedly open to dealing two-time All-Star Jean Segura.
