Zack Wheeler says ‘it’s tough to narrow’ what has plagued Mets — but there’s reason for optimism

PHILADELPHIA — It’s hard to believe there’s much hope for the last-place Mets these days, but maybe there are some signs of hope in Queens. 

Zack Wheeler knows the Mets better than most, as a player who spent the first seven seasons of his major league career with them and now as an opponent who’s been in the same division for the past seven years. 

Asked why his former organization can’t seem to get itself together, Wheeler paused. 

“I feel like some years they’ve had the starting pitching, but not a full lineup,’’ Wheeler said Friday at Citizens Bank Park. “Some years it’s been a better lineup, but not a strong rotation. There’s just a lot of inconsistency. It’s tough to narrow it down to one thing.” 

But the 36-year-old added there is potential cause for optimism, even in this lost season. 

“They’re going to be good, I think,’’ Wheeler said of the Mets. “Some of the young players we play against right now can swing the bat.” 

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) stands on the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The rest of this season, clearly, is about the development of A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge, the pair of rookie outfielders that have at least shown progress. 

Speaking of the duo, Wheeler said, “They have a good approach, but [they] have to keep doing what they’re doing. We’ll make adjustments as pitchers. It’s up to them to adjust back or else they’re going to struggle. It’s about more than this year, but if they keep it up — especially with [Juan] Soto there for the long run — they could have something.” 

It’s hard to see at this point, especially considering the Mets and Phillies had identical 9-19 records on April 26 and the Phillies are now in playoff contention while the Mets are in sell-mode as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches. 

Wheeler’s return to the Phillies’ rotation helped spark their turnaround, as he’s 10-2 with a 2.16 ERA. 

New York Mets center fielder A.J. Ewing (9) reacts after hitting a double in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Citi Field on July 12, 2026, in Queens, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

With this year’s Mets, there has also been praise from around the league about the development of some young starters such as Nolan McLean and Christian Scott and — more recently — Zach Thornton. 

As Wheeler noted, it might take president of baseball operations David Stearns and his crew a while to build a winner. 

“It takes time and guys have got to stay healthy,’’ Wheeler said. “But they have some pieces.” 

As for Wheeler, whose career blossomed in his final two seasons with the Mets and continued after his signing with Philadelphia, he still has good memories of his time as a Met. 

“I loved my time there,’’ Wheeler said. “I really did. Things could get hard there and sometimes it was a little up and down, but the fans, the organization, the players and staff were awesome.”