The Chicago White Sox were unable to land a premier free agent last winter, but that could very well change this offseason. MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi reported on Wednesday that the White Sox are in the “leading group” to land right-handed starter Zach Wheeler (via Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago):

Asked during the GM meetings last week in Arizona what kinds of pitchers he wants to acquire this winter, Rick Hahn had a snappy response.

“Good ones,” he said.

Well, Zack Wheeler falls into that category, and the White Sox are reportedly in pursuit, with Jon Morosi reporting Wednesday on MLB Network that the South Siders are one of four teams — alongside the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres and division-rival Minnesota Twins — in “the leading group right now” for Wheeler's services.

Wheeler is widely regarded as the third-best pitcher available, in part because of his age (Wheeler turns 30 next May) and impressive peripherals (two consecutive seasons with a sub-3.50 FIP).

The former Met rejected the qualifying offer from New York last week, and he looks primed to cash in with a number of teams looking to improve their rotation for 2020.

Chicago is one such club in need of pitching depth. Lucas Gialito emerged as an All-Star and Cy Young contender last year, and the White Sox are also counting on youngsters like Michael Kopech–who missed all of 2019 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery–and Dylan Cease to contribute.

But a move for Wheeler would solidify Chicago's intentions on competing now while also giving them payroll flexibility to make improvements in other areas.