MLB Rumors: Astros Could Trade For Mets' Starter, Noah Syndergaard Likely Staying Put In 2019

Noah Syndergaard New York Mets — Noah Syndergaard #34 of the New York Mets celebrates after defeating the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on September 30, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Adam Hunger/Getty Images

The New York Mets are shopping multiple starting pitchers. The Houston Astros are trying to upgrade their rotation. There seems to be a strong chance that the two teams will become trade partners before Wednesday’s 4 p.m. EDT deadline.

Both Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard are drawing interest from contenders around MLB. A free-agent-to-be, Wheeler is a much better bet to be dealt before the calendar turns to August.

One general manager told SNY’s Andy Martino that he fully expects Wheeler to be sent to Houston. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, two GMs have predicted that the Astros will trade for Wheeler. Two sources told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal that Houston is working hard to acquire Wheeler.

The New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics have also been linked to Wheeler.

Rival exec: "Fully expect" Astros to get Wheeler
Other sources do note Braves, Brewers, maybe Yanks and A's involved
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) July 30, 2019

The Houston #Astros will come away with one more starter by Wednesday, and two GMs predict it will be Zack Wheeler from the #Mets
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 29, 2019

Wheeler has shown the potential to be a front-end starter, pitching to a 1.68 ERA in the second half of the 2018 season. The right-hander’s trade value has dropped in the final year of his contract, during which he’s posted a 4.71 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP and 137 strikeouts in 124.1 innings.

Wheeler surrendered three runs in 5.1 innings Friday in his first start after a short IL stint. He’s got a 3.94 ERA in his last nine starts.

Syndergaard is more coveted than Wheeler, given his career 3.21 ERA and the fact that he’s under team control through the 2021 season. The Mets are listening to offers for the power pitcher, but it’s starting to sound like he probably won’t be moved before the deadline.

There are still a ton of active trade conversations this morning regarding Noah Syndergaard and Edwin Diaz. Mets don’t feel they have to move either. Won’t do it if not blown away. But still talking to many contending teams about both.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) July 30, 2019

ESPN's Jeff Passan: "The more people I speak with today, the less I feel that Noah Syndergaard is getting traded" https://t.co/FfLIGRcAOL pic.twitter.com/ylN9YwMvgf
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 30, 2019

The Mets recently traded for Marcus Stroman with the hope of competing for a playoff spot in the 2020 season.

It’s possible that Syndergaard could be traded during the offseason. The San Diego Padres have reportedly been interested in Syndergaard since this past winter. The Yankees have had their eyes on the 26-year-old, but the cross-town rivals aren’t expected to come together on a deal.

Syndergaard has a career-high 4.33 ERA through 20 starts. He has a 3.50 ERA in the last two months.

Major league baseball