New York Mets right to cut ties with Matt Harvey

After a trainwreck beginning of 2018, the New York Mets have designated Matt Harvey for assignment. Here is why that is the correct decision.

In recent years, the New York Mets have prided themselves on strong pitching. Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Matt Harvey led a dominant rotation for a few years, but injuries always got in the way of greatness.

Nicknamed “The Dark Knight,” Harvey burst onto the scene in 2012. After an incredible rookie campaign and the first half of 2013, he was named the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game.

Harvey underwent Tommy John Surgery after 2013, which was the beginning of the end for him. He missed all of 2014 but returned in outstanding fashion in 2015. His 2.71 ERA ranked sixth in the National League.

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Unfortunately, the Mets could not have handled Harvey’s return much worse.

In 2012, the Washington Nationals made the controversial decision to shut down Stephen Strasburg, who was returning from Tommy John Surgery, before the postseason. The Mets made a very different decision.

Instead, the Mets relied on Harvey, who pitched nearly 200 innings in the regular season, to lead them on a deep postseason run. It worked at the time, as he pitched to a 3.04 ERA in four starts throughout their World Series run, but he has not been the same since.

Since 2015, Harvey has pitched to a 5.93 ERA. He has been just a shell of his former self, while also dealing with off the field behavioral issues.

Harvey pitched his way out of the rotation this year but did not fare any better in the bullpen. He pitched to a 6.00 ERA in four starts and a 10.50 ERA in four relief appearances.

Off the field, Harvey has been partying it up.

Earlier this year, when the Mets were playing in San Diego, Harvey was partying in Los Angeles the night before a game. For a pitcher who had already been removed from the starting rotation, this was not the greatest way to impress the team.

Between his struggles and behavioral issues, the Mets were understandably done with Harvey.

When general manager Sandy Alderson was asked if he was upset about the report that Harvey was partying the night before a game, he responded “Usually I get upset if a report is unexpected. So I guess the short answer is no.”

Now, Harvey has been designated for assignment. The Mets wanted to send him to the minors, in an effort to allow him to sort everything out in a low-pressure environment, but he refused. He is contractually allowed to refuse a minor league assignment, but he was not exactly in a position to do so.

After some very high highs and some even lower lows, Harvey’s days as a Met have come to an end. The Mets, who have earned the reputation of being a mismanaged organization, made the correct decision to cut ties with Harvey.

Harvey was once one of the most dominant pitchers in the league and is still just 29 years old so he will get another opportunity.

Whoever signs Harvey must be cautious, and he must get his act together. He cannot necessarily control what happens on the field, but he can control what he does off of it. If he is going to return to form, he must also get his life back together. Leaving New York will help that.

Next: Should the National League adopt the designated hitter?

“The Dark Knight,” Matt Harvey, is facing his lowest of lows, but he could land back on his feet with some work.