Miami Marlins Need to Pursue Matt Harvey

There was a time when Matt Harvey was one of the best pitchers in baseball. Unfortunately as each day passes the memories of those days become dimmer and dimmer.

After a brief dispute with the New York Mets Harvey was designated for assignment. Now that Harvey is available, the Miami Marlins should pursue him.

A change of scenery for Matt Harvey could be beneficial

On paper this seems like a terrible idea. A pitcher who appears to have lost it coming to a team that is relatively unstable is more often than not a recipe for disaster. Although the Mets are not known for their stability either. However there is something to be said for a change of scenery.

Often times a player who struggles benefits from new surroundings. Leaving the media capital that is New York for Miami could lead to better performances from Harvey. Less distractions in a more relaxed atmosphere may allow Harvey to regain his former form. Even if Harvey is 50 percent of his “Dark Knight” persona that is still better than what he displayed earlier this season.

Matt Harvey would be a starter with the Marlins

Part of the reason that Harvey was designated for assignment was due to not accepting his demotion to the bullpen. While every starter does not necessarily envision a bullpen move as beneficial, there are times when it is about the team and not the individual. Harvey disagreed with the decision and voiced his displeasure which only caused more friction in the Mets clubhouse. If Harvey were to end up in Miami he would not have to accept a bullpen assignment. Harvey would be a starter.

Harvey has a 7.00 ERA in eight games this season, this includes four starts. Harvey’s WHIP is above 1.500 which is also known as not good. Even though Harvey’s personal numbers are not great, the Marlins starting rotation is not exactly lighting the world on fire either. Wei-Yin Chen, Dan Straily, Trevor Richards and Dillon Peters all have an ERA of 4.82 or above. Chen and Straily have started only two games while Richards and Peters are no longer in the rotation. With the relatively poor performances of various pitchers in the rotation and the revolving door of players that have started a game this season, acquiring another starter is not exactly a bad idea. In fact it may balance things out in the rotation and bullpen.

At one time Matt Harvey experienced success

It was mentioned before but Harvey was once one of the best pitchers in the game and helped lead the Mets to a World Series appearance. There are times that it is beneficial for a team to bring in a veteran who has experienced the highs and lows of being a professional that can help younger players on a roster. While it is unknown if Harvey would mentor anyone his presence in the clubhouse could help with a very young Marlins team.

Matt Harvey has bounced back from adversity before

Harvey missed the entire 2014 season as a result of having Tommy John surgery. During the 2015 season Harvey went 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA and struck out 188 batters. In three games in the 2015 postseason Harvey went 2-0 with a 3.04 ERA in four games. This type of performance is incredible for a player that just came off of Tommy John surgery. It is not out of the question for Harvey to come close to this type of performance again.

The price for Matt Harvey may not be much

Harvey’s value is at an all time low. If the Marlins were to trade for Harvey they may not have to give up much. Harvey is unwanted and is an unrestricted free agent after the season. His salary of $5.625 million is worth the risk of acquiring someone of superstar talent. It is worth mentioning that last season the Mets traded Jay Bruce to the Cleveland Indians for Ryder Ryan. Bruce was in the final year of his deal and Ryan was 22 and yet to advance past A Ball in the minor leagues. A similar deal could be struck between the Mets and Marlins for a player who is viewed to be less valuable right now than Bruce was last year.

What do the Marlins have to lose?

At this point in the season this is a serious point to consider. The Marlins are in last place in their division and are clearly in some sort of rebuild. If Miami were to take a chance on Harvey and it worked it would be a home run. If Harvey still struggles the Marlins can move on and show that they tried to improve the team. Worst case scenario the Marlins are still a team with a struggling pitching staff. If it works out this could be the first move by the new owners that would be applauded by fans.

Next: Marlins Heroes vs Reds

Stay tuned for a Matt Harvey counterpoint. In the meantime, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and keep a tab open here at Marlin Maniac.