The New York Mets have finally found a new home for pitcher, Matt Harvey, and received a new catcher, Devin Mesoraco, in the process. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com was the first to report the trade.
OFFICIAL: The Mets have traded Matt Harvey to the Reds for Devin Mesoraco and cash.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 8, 2018
The move is not shocking by any means, the Mets designated the right-hander for assignment in May. General manager, Sandy Alderson, said New York asked Harvey to go to the minor leagues, but believing he was still too valuable to be demoted, the pitcher refused. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported the salary part of the trade.
Source: Reds paying remainder of Mesoraco’s $13.125M salary. Mets paying remainder of Harvey’s $5.625M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 8, 2018
The trade and decision to DFA came after the Mets moved Harvey from the rotation to the bullpen. While in the bullpen he was terrible with a 7.00 ERA in eight appearances, nowhere near what he did for the club a few years prior.
The 2016 and 2017 seasons were just as disappointing for Harvey as well. He made only 17 starts in 2016 before he was shut down for the year to undergo surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome in his pitching arm. He struggled in those starts and posted a 4-10 record with a 4.86 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 92.2 innings.
Along with Harvey’s decline in performance, he hasn’t always been known as the greatest teammate and most dedicated. Rumors continued to swirl this season that he has been out late partying the night prior to games.
Fresh starts and a new place of scenery have done wonders for players in the past, the Reds are hoping that is true for Harvey and he can be a strong piece to a struggling rotation. The potential for Harvey is unarguable, but it’s him being able to capitalize on that that is debatable.
