Mets talked Matt Harvey trade, with ex-top prospect floated
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Matt Harvey’s name has surfaced in several Mets trade discussions recently, but team officials fully expect the beleaguered right-hander to remain with the club.
On Monday, the Rangers were among the teams that discussed Harvey with general manager Sandy Alderson, with injury-prone infielder Jurickson Profar’s name floated as the potential return. Industry sources said the deal is unlikely because the Mets seek a more significant return for Harvey.
Harvey was tendered a contract by the Mets earlier this month and is expected to make roughly $6 million in 2018, after a second straight disappointing season in which he missed significant time on the disabled list.
Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom are the virtual untouchables in the Mets rotation, but the team is open to dealing from a pool that includes Harvey, Steven Matz, Zack Wheeler, Robert Gsellman, Seth Lugo and Rafael Montero. To this point, the Mets have been underwhelmed by the offers for Harvey.
Profar played only 22 games for the Rangers last season and posted a .172/.294/.207 slash line. The 24-year-old Profar, once considered the best prospect in baseball, has battled various injuries in his four-year career and never played more than 90 games in a season.
But with the Mets in need of a second baseman, team officials are exploring all options. Possibilities include Jason Kipnis, Ian Kinsler and Josh Harrison on the trade market. Neil Walker is the top free-agent option.
Harvey, who underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in 2016, went 5-7 with a 6.70 ERA in 19 appearances last season.