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It was only a few days ago that reports were indicating the Mets were still on the fence about whether they would be buyers or sellers at this year's trade deadline.
It now sounds like Brodie Van Wagenen is leaning towards selling.
New York has engaged the Red Sox on a possible deal that would send Zack Wheeler to Boston, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.
In addition to Boston, the Mets have been in contact with the Yankees, as well as the Cubs and Braves, about a Wheeler trade, according to SNY's Andy Martino.
Martino went on to state that while there is significant interest in the right-hander, all trade talks are still preliminary. However, the Mets have shifted towards a more aggressive sell mode.
The 29-year-old is 6-6 with a 4.69 ERA and 1.277 WHIP in 19 starts this year. While those numbers don't jump off the page, Wheeler has shown great durability over the last two seasons, making 48 starts since the beginning of the 2018 season.
USA TODAY Images According to Sherman's report, the Mets have some comfort dealing with Boston's farm system due to the previous roles held by Mets VP/Assistant GM for Scouting and Player Development Allard Baird and VP of Player Personnel Jared Banner within the Red Sox organization.
Heading into the All-Star break, the Mets are 40-50 and currently hold the National League's second-worst record. New York is 13.5 games back of Atlanta in the NL East, and while they are only 7.0 games back of the Phillies in the Wild Card, they would have to jump over nine NL teams to make the playoffs.
If New York does decide to sell, Wheeler, Todd Frazier and Jason Vargas are the three most likely players to get dealt, as all three will become free agents at the end of the season (Vargas has an $8 million option with a $2 million buyout for next year).
The 2019 MLB trade deadline is on July 31st.