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MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Mets: SP Matt Harvey

Looking for the difference between a World Series trip and a 87-win, non-playoff season for the Mets? Look no further than Harvey. In 2015, he had a 2.71 ERA over 29 regular season starts. In 2016, something was clearly wrong as Harvey struggled to a 4.86 ERA over 17 starts before being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome in his pitching shoulder and missing the rest of the season.

Harvey also missed the entire 2014 season after Tommy John surgery, so at some point the Mets would surely like to see him stay healthy, make 30-plus starts and pitch at a Cy Young level before having to commit big money to him. Harvey has one more year of arbitration eligibility left, then he will become a free agent. At this point, the Mets may willingly let Harvey hit the open market without regret.

The Mets pretty much know what they’ll get from Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom at the top of their starting rotation, but the wild card is clearly Harvey heading into this year. If he pitches to his potential and stays on the mound, the Mets will be a team to reckon with in the National League East.

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