Syndergaard, Wheeler, drawing interest from the Athletics

The Oakland Athletics have reportedly shown interest in both Noah Syndergaard and Zack Wheeler, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. With the A’s locked in a five-way tie for the American League Wild Card at the moment, an upgrade at starting pitcher would help them considerably. Slusser also mentions that the A’s have inquired about Shane Greene from the Tigers.

Wheeler still appears to be the more likely Mets player traded, due to his pending free agency. The return for rental players has taken a nose dive in the past few years, and it is unlikely that half a season of Wheeler could provide the next Zack Wheeler in return, as half a season of Carlos Beltran did in 2011.

Syndergaard would require a more substantial return, and although the Mets have been linked to players like Robbie Ray and Marcus Stroman as potential pieces in a Syndergaard trade, those still seem unlikely.

The Athletics would likely have to provide one of their top prospects in return for Syndergaard, and A.J. Puk, Jesus Luzardo, and Sean Murphy were potential names mentioned by Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors.