New York Mets Rumors: Matt Harvey Open To Extension?

New York Mets Rumors: Despite the differences last season, and Scott Boras being his agent, could Matt Harvey sign a contract extension with the Mets?

Spring Training is almost underway, and for the New York Mets it means it is almost time for them to defend their 2015 National League Pennant. Expectations will be high for the Mets, as they hit it out of the park over the winter in free agency and trades, adding players to fill the holes on their roster and looking like legitimate contenders for the NL Pennant once again in 2016.

A big reason for the hype surrounding the Mets is the promise and potential of their starting rotation. The Mets have arguably the deepest, most talented rotation in all of baseball as it is full with budding stars in Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz. They will also be getting Zack Wheeler back in the picture this season as he rehabs from Tommy John Surgery.

While all of the pitchers can stake a claim to being the ace of the rotation, that distinction would probably fall upon Harvey, who had a successful return from Tommy John surgery himself in 2015. Harvey is the longest tenured player of that group, and pretty soon the Mets are going to have to start making decisions in regards to contracts with them, as it would be tough to keep all of them, especially if they perform up to their potential.

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There has already been rumors this offseason that the deGrom is open to an extension, which makes sense for him. Despite not being a free agent until after the 2020 season, deGrom is the oldest of the bunch at 27-years of age, so an extension to buyout his arbitration years and beginning of free agency makes sense for both parties if a number can be agreed upon.

While everyone can see an extension coming with deGrom, the same cannot be said about Harvey. With super agent Scott Boras representing him, and the debacle that happened last season towards the postseason, it does not seem like the Mets have a high likelihood of retaining Harvey before he hits the open market. But, upon showing up to Port St. Lucie for the beginning of camp Monday, Harvey said that he would be open to a contract extension with the Mets.

“I think whatever comes up is going to come up,” said Harvey, who is under control through the 2018 season. “I’ve never shied away from it. I’ve never said I wouldn’t consider it. But I haven’t heard anything considering that.”

Even Boras discussed the possibility of Harvey signing an extension, saying, “Expectations of an extension are like dinner invitations. They are always politely considered until you know the restaurant.”

Harvey will make $4.325 million in 2016 in his first year of arbitration eligibility. That number will only increase in the coming seasons as he moves further and further away from the Tommy John surgery he underwent and regains his strength.

Pitchers normally improve in their second season after surgery, which the Mets would be ecstatic about; Harvey finished 13-8 with an ERA of 2.71 in 29 regular season starts. If he improves upon those numbers, he will hit it big in his second season of arbitration and the Mets will probably have a Cy Young candidate on their hands.

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New York Mets Rumors: Matt Harvey Open To Contract Extension?

By Kenneth Teape | Feb 16, 2016

New York Mets Rumors: Despite the differences last season, and Scott Boras being his agent, could Matt Harvey sign a contract extension with the Mets?

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