New York Mets: Analyzing the Matt Harvey situation with the Mets

As the MLB winter meetings progress, the New York Mets reportedly seemed to find themselves shopping All-Star pitcher Matt Harvey.

However, New York Mets new manager Mickey Callaway and staff, decided to ask to keep the once prized righty.

Before I get into my analysis, I want to acknowledge that I understand the nostalgia that surrounds the “Dark Knight.”

This guy was once dubbed as the next Tom Seaver.

However, I found shopping him as an appropriate and a good move for the Mets.

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Harvey is coming off what is arguably the worst season of his career.

The whole 2017 Mets season is pretty forgettable.

But Harvey’s lackluster, injury ridden performance contributed to that. He spent much of his time injured and just did not have the same stuff he once did.

Harvey’s injury is nearly impossible to come back from. It’ll be what I consider a medical miracle if he is able to return to his old self.

But I’m not a doctor. So, it leaves us at this question: Do the Mets even need Matt Harvey?

I, for one, do not think so. When he is on he is no doubt an asset. His performance in the 2015 World Series was heroic and textbook playoff Mets.

But the Mets still have Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, and Seth Lugo.

The list goes on. Even just Syndergaard and deGrom is a lethal 1-2 punch.

With the Mets also openly trying to build up their bullpen and get bullpen arms, it shows they won’t need their pitchers to throw complete games.

So, wouldn’t that make Harvey worth keeping?

Yeah, perhaps, but it could also not matter when he doesn’t have the juice to go more than a few innings.

Harvey shows flashes of promise still. I’m not denying he is a smart and decent pitcher.

But how much longer are fans willing to wait for Harvey to magically get back to where he was?

Listening to Callaway is obviously what the front office should do, but I think it is a big risk.

It is likely Harvey will completely have to change the way he pitches both mentally and physically in order to keep him out there. His stuff might not always be there and he will rely on what he is coached.

Yeah, he might not be done as an MLB pitcher, crazier things have happened.

Next: Odd timing for Harvey inquiries

What I am saying though, is that his days of being the “Dark Night,” the same old Harvey, might very well be over. It’ll take a lot of coaching and hard work otherwise.

I like Harvey, and I am rooting for this to workout, but if the Mets can use him to build around positions they need like the bullpen or infield, then I was all for it.

If Harvey can be an asset again, it’ll put the team right back into playoff discussion.

Matt Harvey will seemingly remain a New York Met, but now, instead of being an asset, he seems to be a project.

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