MLB trade rumors: Mets have 'discussed' trading Zack Wheeler

The New York Mets aren't going to trade Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, or Jacob DeGrom. Earlier this month, people believed injured righthander Zack Wheeler to be part of that group of untouchables, but that does not appear to be the case. According to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, the Mets have internally discussed dealing Wheeler at the trade deadline.

Wheeler is one of the top young arms in the game, with a fastball that averages 95.8 miles per hour and can touch 98-99 miles per hour. He also possesses a slider, curveball, and changeup and has demonstrated solid command of his entire arsenal. Wheeler has a 3.50 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 271 strikeouts in 285 1/3 career major league innings. He was one of the top prospects in baseball leading up to his major league debut, ranking as high as #5 on Baseball Prospectus' top 101 prospect rankings in 2013.

Unfortunately, Wheeler isn't going to provide an immediate impact if anyone trades for him. The 24-year-old righthander had Tommy John surgery in March after pitching through some elbow discomfort last season, and will miss the entire 2015 season. That the Mets are looking to trade him isn't a red flag, per se, because dealing damaged goods would undermine the credibility of their front office for years to come.

The Tigers still have not given any indication that they are willing to sell at this year's deadline, but the right return could easily tip the scales in one direction. The Mets need offense, and the Tigers have a potent free-agent-to-be available in Yoenis Cespedes. While two months of Cespedes is a rather underwhelming return for a pitcher of Wheeler's caliber, the Tigers could always sweeten the pot with a prospect or two. Wheeler has the potential to be a franchise-changing arm, and the Tigers should explore all options whether they plan on selling or not.

(h/t MLB Daily Dish)