Mets, Zack Wheeler avoid arbitration

The Mets and Zack Wheeler have avoided arbitration after settling on an $800,000 salary for the 2017 season.

Wheeler, who hasn’t pitched since 2014 because of injury, is due to return to the team this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery nearly two years ago. Wheeler was originally due back during the latter half of the 2016 season but had several setbacks during his rehab process that delayed his return.

Whether Wheeler will pitch out of the bullpen or the rotation is a point of question. Before his injury, Wheeler, had been a promising young pitcher for the team. He holds a respectable 3.50 ERA and 3.77 FIP in 285.1 innings over the course of his major league career.

The $800,000 settlement is something of a win for the Mets. Earlier in the offseason, MLB Trade Rumors projected a $1 million salary for Wheeler, now 26 years old, this season.