Fantasy Baseball: Top 5 New York Mets To Draft In 2015

Matt Harvey

Jun 25, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets injured starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) throws a session in the outfield before a game against the Oakland Athletics at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The return of Harvey has been a much talked about topic around the Mets, as he missed all of the 2014 season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. His 17-month absence has been a struggle for both him and the Mets’ faithful that love watching him on the mound, but it looks like it will be well worth the wait as Harvey looks to already be in midseason form.

If there any questions about Harvey suffering any setbacks this season, those concerns have been quelled as he has dominated the Grapefruit League. Again, it is hard to put much stock into spring training results, but for a player coming back from major injury, it is very encouraging to see him perform the way he has.

Thus far Harvey has made five starts in the spring, throwing 18 ⅔ innings and mowing down the competition. He has allowed only 14 hits and one walk and three earned runs, equaling an ERA and WHIP of 1.45 and 0.80. He has also added 17 strikeouts, even getting his fastball up to 99 MPH on occasion, and sitting between 94-96 regularly.

Those are all encouraging signs for a player that was a potential Cy Young candidate prior to getting injured. He could reach that level again this season depending on how the Mets handle him. The possibility remains that Harvey could have a couple of starts shortened, or even miss a couple, as the Mets try to handle his workload this season. That will undoubtedly scare off some fantasy owners, but it shouldn’t.

Harvey making around 28-30 starts is a lot more valuable to a fantasy team than a third or fourth starter on another team making 32-35 starts for your team. Harvey will approach a strikeout an inning and provide stellar ERA and WHIP numbers thanks to a strong fastball, changeup and curve. If you are in a league where Harvey is dropping below his late fifth, early sixth round ADP position, don’t hesitate to scoop him up. You will not regret it.

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