If there was any speculation on whether or not Matt Harvey would be back next season, it’s all over now.
According to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag, the Mets will tender the starting pitcher a contract for 2018, a source familiar to the situation said.
It’s no secret that Harvey, 28, is having the worst season of his career while trying to recover from surgery to relieve thoracic outlet syndrome.
In 17 starts, the right-hander has pitched to a 5-6 record with a 6.60 ERA, 6.30 FIP and 1.658 WHIP. All career highs by a long stretch.
This comes as no surprise for Harvey, however, as Sandy Alderson said it would be highly unlikely the Mets non-tendered the struggling veteran after this season earlier this month.
Going into his contract year, this makes sense. The Mets have been encouraged by some positive signs Harvey has shown his last few outings. Before he hits the free agent market, New York presumably thinks they can get one more strong year out of him.
A starter on the free agent market this offseason will probably cost in the $8-12 million range annually. Harvey is making $5.1 million this year and even with a bump in salary, will still be cost efficient.
Heyman also notes that the Mets believe their rotation will get healthy and rebound, so the bigger focus will be on the bullpen.
AJ Ramos and Jeurys Familia figure to compete for closing duties, while Jerry Blevins, one of just two players to not hit the disabled list this season for the Mets, will be the anchor for the middle of the bullpen.
An appealing name for New York would be an old friend, Addison Reed. The Mets shipped him away at the deadline, but a back end that features him and the aforementioned three incumbents would be dangerous.
