Washington Nationals should not trade for Matt Harvey
The Washington Nationals are reportedly interested in trading for Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Matt Harvey. They must consider other options.
The Washington Nationals have always been built on pitching, but their starters have struggled at times this year. Max Scherzer is having his best year yet, but the rest of the rotation has been inconsistent.
The starting rotation, like the rest of the team, has been affected by injuries. Stephen Strasburg is currently working his way back from shoulder inflammation and Jeremy Hellickson has made just one start since returning from the disabled list. In their absences, prospects Erick Fedde and Jefry Rodriguez have been asked to pitch in a pennant race.
Meanwhile, Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark have been a bit erratic. They have each had productive seasons, but it has been a bumpy ride.
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Now, it appears the Nats may be in the market for a starting pitcher. Jon Heyman recently reported that they are seeking a starter and have checked in on Matt Harvey.
The Nats are familiar with Harvey from his days with the New York Mets. He was among the best pitchers in baseball at one point, which the Nats are well aware of. But, more recently, he was a struggling and distracted pitcher, which the Nats are also well aware of.
Since departing New York for Cincinnati, Harvey has been a much better pitcher. He has not been quite as dominant as he was early in his career, but he has resembled his old self.
In 10 starts with the Reds, Harvey has pitched to a 3.86 ERA and owns a 2.86 K/BB ratio. His velocity is up, and, despite moving to a hitter-friendly ballpark, his walks and homers are down. He may not be an ace, but he is a solid major league starter for the first time in a few years.
Despite the Nats’ need for a starting pitcher and Harvey’s resurgence, he is not a fit in DC.
The Nats currently find themselves in third place in the NL East. They were the overwhelming preseason favorites to win the division for the third consecutive season, but they are far from guaranteed to make the postseason.
Dave Martinez is believed to lead a relaxed clubhouse, but the Nats’ struggles may begin to wear on the team. If it is not already tense in the clubhouse, it may get there soon. Adding Harvey, a player with a history of being a bad teammate, would not help matters.
The last time the Nats pulled the trigger on a similar trade, it blew up in their face. They acquired Jonathan Papelbon in 2015, and he concluded the season by choking Bryce Harper in the dugout. That is not to say that Harvey would do something similar if he joined the Nats, but it would not be a worthwhile risk.
Next: NL East trade deadline primer
The Washington Nationals do not necessarily need to trade for a starter, as Strasburg is due back from the disabled list in the next few weeks. However, if they do elect to acquire a starter, it should not be Matt Harvey.