Zack Wheeler (SP, NYM) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 29% of leagues

ANALYSIS: New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler has pitched into the seventh inning in five of his last six starts and has won each of his last two starts. While he struck out only three batters in his win over the Padres (where he pitched seven innings), but he had struck out seven batters or more in four of his previous five starts.

He is only 4-6 this season, but he his 4.33 ERA is supported by a 3.63 FIP, as his .306 BABIP and 69.8% strand rate show that he is unlucky. While he has won each of this last two starts, pitching for the Mets has not helped him in the way of the wins, as he had no-decisions in quality starts against the Pirates on June 27 and Blue Jays on July 3.v

Wheeler will pitch in Pittsburgh against the Pirates on Sunday and then the Braves on August 4, but fantasy owners are hoping that he is not on the Mets for that second start. He is one of the more prized starting pitchers still on the trade market and could fetch a nice return for the rebuilding Mets. Considering his strong run of play, Wheeler would be a good player to hold in deeper leagues if he were traded to a contender.