Matt Harvey’s suspension is up, but what he really needs is a fresh start with a different team. Which five make the most sense?
Matt Harvey’s brief suspension is over, and he will return to the New York Mets on Friday for his first start since May 2. It was a drama-filled week for Harvey, and his suspension raises serious questions about his future with the Mets. He has struggled so far this year as he returns from thoracic outlet surgery. As he continues to make a mess of his career, this could be the last straw for Harvey and the organization. A team can overlook a player’s transgressions away from the field when he is pitching like an ace, but not when his ERA is over 5.00.
The Mets would be selling Harvey at an all-time low, but it may be best for all parties involved to part ways and start over. If Harvey is moved, which teams make the most sense and offer him the best potential chance for getting back to All-Star form?
5. New York Yankees
By now, it is pretty clear that Harvey loves life in the Big Apple. He was born and raised in Connecticut and grew up as a fan of the Yankees and New York Rangers. Harvey loves the nightlife and celebrity in New York — maybe a bit too much. That being said, he seems to thrive off the pressure of pitching in the most intense sports city in America.
Harvey has always seemed destined to wind up on the Yankees, but through free agency — not a trade. With CC Sabathia beginning to struggle, the Yankees have a need for another starting pitcher on their roster. Perhaps they could consider Harvey as a rebound candidate instead of dipping deep into their farm system to acquire someone like Gerrit Cole, Julio Teheran, or Jose Quintana.
While Harvey likely prefers the Yankees over any other team that might have their eye on trading for him, this feels like a longshot. The Yankees are not in a position to bring in a potentially cancerous presence to their clubhouse. If Harvey wants to play for the Yankees one day, he will need to get his act together, pitch like an ace, and then sign there in free agency.