On May 4, 2018, the New York Mets announced that Matt Harvey would be designated for assignment the next day after he refused a demotion to the minor leagues. Harvey will not go through waivers, he will either be traded or released. If Harvey is released and the Mets cannot find a trade partner, New York will have to pay the remainder of his 1-year, $5,625,000 deal. Surely, the Mets would rather not have to do that and find a suitable trade partner to take on the money.
After coming off a stellar 2013 Major League season, which Harvey garnered an All-Star nod after posting a 9-5 win-loss record with a 2.27 ERA, he would miss all of the 2014 season. On October 22, 2013, Harvey underwent successful Tommy John surgery and would rebound nicely going forward into the 2015 season, picking up where he left off in 2013.
The 2015 Major League season saw Harvey post a record of 13 wins and 8 losses. Harvey’s ERA was 2.71 and the Mets finished first in their division winning 90 games and making a World Series appearance. After that, the last 3 years have been downhill.
Harvey since the start of the 2016 season has pitched to a 5.93 ERA and a total of 9 wins. Matt’s decline was so catastrophic this year that the Mets took him out of the starting rotation. On April 21, Harvey was removed from the Mets rotation and placed in a bullpen role. In eight appearances on the season, Harvey earned a 7.00 ERA through four starts and four relief appearances.
Why This Is Beneficial For The White Sox
White Sox legendary pitching coach, Don Cooper, has a reputation for fixing broken down vets. Lord knows that the White Sox starting rotation could use someone with the potential of Matt Harvey. If James Shields and Miguel González can come out and pitch every 4-5 days, then why not take a chance on the former All-Star? A pitcher with World Series experience could be beneficial to have around the likes of Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito and possibly Michael Kopech.
Are The White Sox Interested?
It is rumored that the White Sox are rumored to be interested in Matt Harvey according to Mike Puma, who covers the Mets for the New York Post.
One more potential Mets trade partner for Matt Harvey is the White Sox, who have shown interest. Giants, Mariners, Rangers and Orioles – as others have noted – have all shown some level of interest.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) May 8, 2018
Do the White Sox have enough interest to give up a player for Harvey? Or do they wait and see what happens? Either way, Sox fans now know there is interest.
Should The Sox Give Up Anything For Harvey?
Absolutely not. The White Sox are not in any position to win this year and giving up any sort of asset is asinine for a pitcher on the decline. If Harvey is released, it is completely fair that the White Sox take a look and see what can be worked out and evaluate what is left in the tank.
Who knows? Maybe Cooper works his magic if Harvey joins the South Siders and turns him into an All-Star once again. Only time will tell.
