Bleacher Report · Nov 20, 2019
Zack Wheeler Could Be the Perfect Gerrit Cole Replacement for the Astros
Whichever team signs Zack Wheeler in free agency will be tasked with turning him into something more than just a league-average pitcher, lest a lucrative multiyear contract go to waste.
That sounds like a job for the Houston Astros.
As they seek to recover from a heartbreaking loss in the World Series, their top priority in free agency is ostensibly to re-sign American League Cy Young runner-up Gerrit Cole. The 29-year-old right-hander is coming off spectacular efforts in the regular season (2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts) and postseason (1.72 ERA and 47 strikeouts).
However, Astros owner Jim Crane is making no promises regarding negotiations with Cole and super-agent Scott Boras.