NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Matt Harvey #33 of the New York Mets sits in the dugout after he was removed from a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on May 3, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Braves defeated the Mets 11-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Matt Harvey could have an avenue back into baseball
Former New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey has yet to draw much interest from major league teams, but he could have another avenue available.
Everything has been quiet this offseason regarding former New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey. The former burgeoning star remains a free agent, scarcely getting even a glance this offseason. The Blue Jays had him in from a tryout but walked away, as they were the only team to even show a modicum of interest in his services.
But Harvey may have another avenue as he attempts to resurrect his career. He apparently has interest in joining the Korean Baseball Organization, with at least one team reportedly interested in bringing Harvey on board.
Last year was a complete disaster for the former All Star. After he appeared to have returned somewhat to form with the Reds, the Angels gambled on a one year deal worth $11 million. For that expenditure, they received 59.2 innings over 12 disappointing outings, as Harvey posted a 7.09 ERA and a 1.542 WHiP before being released.
Perhaps that effort served as a wakeup call. Harvey feels that he has grown as a person and a ballplayer since his time with the Mets, and has actually begun to take his training seriously. He has thrown regular bullpen sessions in the hopes that some team will come calling, but nothing has materialized.
Even if Harvey does sign in the KBO, there are other obstacles to overcome. It would likely take anywhere from four to six weeks before he would be able to get into a game, with the paperwork requirements and the mandatory 14 day quarantine period.
However, this could be the perfect way for Harvey to prove that he is serious about returning to baseball. If he can perform well in Korea, while showing that he is now coachable and willing to put in the needed effort, a major league team could take a chance in 2021. It was not that long ago that Harvey was considered a future star, although injuries and his own attitude make those days feel as though they were far in the past.
There is mutual interest between Matt Harvey and the Korean Baseball Organization. He may well return to a professional mound in the near future.
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