Philadelphia Phillies: Michael Conforto can be the next Zack Wheeler

When the Philadelphia Phillies signed starting pitcher Zack Wheeler prior to the 2020 season, they were adding a free agent whose reputation was far more about what he could eventually do and not what he had already done. This isn’t always the case with many from the free agent pool. Generally, you’re paying guys largely for past performances.

Wheeler was different. In parts of five seasons with the New York Mets, he was 44-38 with a 3.77 ERA. It was solid. But it also wasn’t ace material. The stint also included a lost season in 2015 and 2016, along with only a half-campaign in 2017, where he had his most miserable year of all with an ERA in the 5.00s.

Zack Wheeler has been a different pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies than he ever was with the Mets.

Since joining the Phillies, he has been far better than he ever was during his time in New York. Wheeler was a good pitcher during some of his years with the Mets but never an All-Star or a guy that received so much as a smidge of Cy Young consideration. Two years into his contract with the Phillies, he looks like one of the best pitchers in baseball.

If the Phillies like reruns, they may be able to repeat this story again with another Mets player. This would have them signing outfielder Michael Conforto to become the team’s next left fielder.

In dire need of two outfielders this winter, Conforto is an obvious fit for what the Phillies should look at. We’ve seen him plenty of the years. It’s time to see if he’s willing to join forces with his ex-teammate, Wheeler, and make the Phillies a better ball club.