The New York Mets are looking to plug some holes in the offseason. And as the MLB Winter Meetings are underway, it’s being reported that starting pitcher Matt Harvey could possibly be moved in order to plug those holes.
“With a very limited stash of prospects to draw from and limited payroll space, the Mets have talked about dipping into their strength of starting pitchers to address their needs heading into the 2018 season,” Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reported. “In their searches for a second baseman, an impactful reliever and insurance at first and the outfield, the Mets have talked to at least two teams about trading right-hander Matt Harvey this offseason, two sources told the News.”
Harvey was once one of the game’s best, most promising young arms.
He lost the end of 2013 and all of 2014 recovering from Tommy John Surgery. But even still, from 2012-2015, he posted a 2.53 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, and struck out 9.5 hitters per nine innings.
The last two seasons, however, have been a different story.
Over the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Harvey has struggled to stay healthy. When he’s pitched, his production (5.78 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, and 6.9 strikeouts per nine) has dipped dramatically. So, the Mets wouldn’t exactly be selling high.
That said, New York has a lot of work to do to make itself a contender again. Also, while injuries have limited some of its mystique, the pitching staff is still deep with talented arms like Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Seth Lugo, Robert Gsellman, and Steven Matz.
It would certainly hurt to sell low on Harvey only to see him go elsewhere and regain his form. But in order to get back in playoff contention, it may be a necessary risk.