Report: Phillies "Seen as Top Bidder" for Zack Wheeler
Let’s turn up the Phillies’ hot stove. It’s currently burning on 2 or 3 but let’s crank that bad boy up to 5 or 6.
Buster Olney at ESPN says the Phils are the most “potent” bidders for free agent pitcher Zack Wheeler:
The bidding for right-hander Zack Wheeler continues to progress toward resolution, with the Philadelphia Phillies seen by sources as the most potent bidders — and the Reds, White Sox and Rangers also involved.
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According to sources, Wheeler is expected to get a deal of at least five years and at least $100 million. The Phillies have a need for starting pitching help, and with Jake Arrieta entering the last year of his deal, Philadelphia has big-market budget power and some forthcoming payroll flexibility.
Jim Salisbury confirmed Olney’s report this morning:
I can confirm @Buster_ESPN report that Phillies are one of the teams in serious pursuit of free agent RHP Zach Wheeler.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) December 4, 2019
Resident baseball expert B Wanks gave me this to include in the story, regarding Wheeler: