Zack Wheeler Reportedly Passed on Higher Offer From White Sox to Join Phillies

New Jersey-based Phillies fans can thank one of their own for securing their latest free agent addition.

Based on the latest rumblings, it seems Zack Wheeler was swayed to sign on the dotted line in Philadelphia thanks to his wife's advice.

Though Wheeler's a Georgia native, his beloved is from New Jersey, and that seems to be what made the difference between the Phillies' and White Sox' offer...even though Chicago was willing to shed more capital.

#WhiteSox’s offer to Wheeler was for MORE than the $118M he will receive from the #Phillies, sources tell The Athletic. As @MarcCarig said, Wheeler’s wife is from New Jersey, and that proximity was an important consideration in his decision.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 4, 2019

Regardless of the circumstances, it's awfully hard for White Sox GM Rick Hahn to run a business this way.

man... tough times to be the White Sox GM. Doing everything he can, people just dont wanna go there. https://t.co/MPky0A3RYW
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) December 4, 2019

Last season, Hahn reportedly offered Manny Machado a higher AAV than what he ultimately took to relax on the beach in San Diego. Unfortunately, there's nothing to be done about that -- you can't alter a player's personal preferences.

It is, however, very frustrating when the only thing standing in the way of your ideal roster is the whim of the person who happened to hit free agency.

Zack Wheeler's a Phillie, and the White Sox are a team with an impressive young core that lacks proper pitching. Better luck next time.