SAN DIEGO — In order to position himself as one of the youngest available free-agent pitchers for next year’s offseason, Michael Wacha had to first find a deal this offseason that assured him the innings to prove himself for the eventual payday.
A day after Cardinals manager Mike Shildt referred to him as a likely “steal” of the winter, Wacha agreed to a one-year, $3-million deal with the New York Mets. The contract, which includes $7 million in possible incentives, according to a source, will be finalized after the former Cardinal passes a physical. Wacha slides into the Mets’ rotation and the spot left vacant by Zack Wheeler’s move to the Phillies for a $118-million deal.