5:00pm: A Brach-Harvey swap is unlikely to occur, Mike Puma of the New York Post tweets.
4:34pm: The Orioles are discussing dealing a reliever for Harvey tweets Rosenthal, who lists Brad Brach and Darren O’Day as potential trade chips.
3:28pm: The Rangers aren’t willing to trade Profar for a year of control, Grant tweets.
2:59pm: The Orioles are also discussing Harvey with the Mets, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (via Twitter). The possible structure isn’t at all clear at this point.
Heyman, meanwhile, throws some doubt on the entire idea of Texas and New York linking up in a follow-up tweet. Profar’s control rights may be too valuable for Harvey from the Rangers’ perspective, he suggests. The Rangers were also looking into other Mets pitchers, Marc Carig of Newsday tweets.
2:50pm: The Rangers and Mets have engaged in some discussions on a possible deal that would involve Texas infielder Jurickson Profar and New York righty Matt Harvey. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News first broached the possibility while Jon Heyman of Fan Rag tweeted that the sides have engaged in some chatter.
It’s tough to know just what to make of the news at this point. We heard recently that New York will consider moving Harvey, a former ace who has been a shell of himself of late. He’s projected to earn $5.9MM in arbitration before reaching the open market at the end of the season. While the Mets still need the rotation depth and would no doubt prefer to see for themselves whether Harvey can return to form, there’s also a long and checkered history to consider along with the team’s many other roster needs — including a second baseman.
On the Rangers’ side, Profar has become a forgotten man. He did not receive a late-season call-up after an early demotion to the minors, a decision that also left the Rangers with three more seasons of arb control. That enhances Profar’s trade value, though certainly his marginal overall big league showing — a .229/.309/.329 slash over 718 plate appearances — makes it questionable whether he’ll draw a significant return. Profar has shown more in the minors, though. Indeed, he batted a strong .287/.383/.428 in his 383 trips to the plate at Triple-A in 2017, drawing 43 walks while going down on strikes just 33 times.
The assumption long has been that the Rangers would look to deal Profar this winter, as he’s out of options and does not have an obvious place on the roster. And the team certainly still needs starting pitching even after two early moves to bolster the rotation. Whether Harvey is the right risk to take, though, is anyone’s guess. He has shown that he can still bring a mid-nineties fastball, but the velo is still down against his pre- and early-post-Tommy John numbers and Harvey also showed a rising walk rate (10.9%) and plummeting swinging-strike rate (7.5%) in 2017.
Similarly, the Mets will have some questions as to whether it’s worth taking a shot on Profar. All told, it’s a trade scenario that would have been quite a bit more exciting a few years ago but which could still make some sense for both organizations. It’s certainly possible, too, that other pieces could become involved in discussions.
metsfan31
Do it, could help both players and Harvey isn’t in the best of terms with the team and fans
Macias22
I feel like Matt Harvey is almost useless now.. I just don’t think he’ll ever be the same.
Joe Kerr
I feel like he still can be with some mechanical changes and good health. Reason is because he got his velocity back, mechanical change could help him hide the ball better and cut down on walks.
justin-turner overdrive
Which is why Profar-Harvey is perfect, both are borderline AAAA types at this point and won’t ever be an asset at the MLB ever again.
Caseys Partner
Harvey to Philly for Freddy Galvis.
Get your season tickets Phillies fans!
Bledcam
Except Profar has years of control. Harvey could opt for FA if he were to surpass those AAAA expectations this year.
CursedRangers
With Andrus set to likely be a FA, I’m not sure why the Rangers want to dump Profar. He couldn’t do much worse than Odor did last year. Plus he is cheap.
Not sure what Daniels long-term plan with this team is. Seems like he is trying to place bandaid solutions all over the place.
andrewgauldin
I’m pretty sure Andrus signed an 8 year extension not to long ago. I could be wrong though.
ATL_ranger
He’s got an opt-out after next season, so if he has another great year he might see if he can get more than $15M/year from someone
Daniel Youngblood
If the Rangers were to trade Profar, and I think it’s time to, that would most likely serve as a signal that they’re prepared to do what’s necessary to keep Elvis locked in at shortstop. And even with inflation, Elvis’ contract has him second among big league shortstops in annual salary. With most big market clubs either set at the position or grooming an elite prospect to take over in the near future, I’m not sure Elvis could do a whole lot better than he currently is salary-wise. I’m sure we’ll get the chance to find out, though.
Joe Kerr
Can’t wait to see what guys like Lindor, Seager, Correa get in a few years.
merrougemayor
Band Aid !!!! You have explained JD’s Style Perfectly !!! He is way overrated & Our Team is in Serious Serious Trouble ! 65-70 Wins Tops
xkeiserx24
This is the best trade I’ve seen all offseason. It’s like each team would be getting a lottery ticket. The ticket could be an all star who just needed a change of scenery or a big loser you threw away that you got for nothing because you got it in a birthday card.
stymeedone
Who’s the all star coming from Texas’ side? Surely you don’t mean AAAA Profar?
Marc Downs
I feel like the mets would be ripping the rangers off with this one.
lowtalker1
How so?
Rangers just let him rot without letting him figure stuff out in the majors
I don’t think he will ever figure it out… meaning in Texas but, just maybe, he will else where
Eric D.
If anybody can fix Matt Harvey, it’s the Rangers. They turned Matt Bush into an above average closer, maybe they can help The Dark Knight
lowtalker1
Matt bush already had an arm, he already knew how to pitch, but was drafted as a short stop. With his legal troubles this is the first taste he got back into the professional game
And no, the rangers pitching coach isn’t better than
Balls or honeycut
justin-turner overdrive
“If anyone can fix Matt Harvey, it’s the Pirates” – there fixed it for you.
lol the Rangers didn’t fix a damn thing with Bush, he ALWAYS had that arm!!! Homerism much?
Mr. Slave's Gerbil
If Harvey has a good season, he leaves during free agency next offseason. If he has a season similar to the one he had last year, he’s useless. I would expect the Mets to try their hardest to trade him for a buy low player whether it’s profar or someone else. A bullpen arm would be nice but I can’t believe many teams would be jumping to trade for Harvey right now…
Bryzzo2016
Interesting trade for both teams, I like it. This is the precise reason the cliche “change of scenery” became a cliche to begin with. I can see both players, both teams, benefiting. Either way, it’s a low risk/buy low scenario for both clubs.
Joe Kerr
^spot on
ducksnort69
Seems like the Mets would have to add a low level lottery ticket for this to balance out given Profar’s team control.
stymeedone
Really? Andrew Romine was just claimed on waivers if you are looking for a comp.
daveineg
How about Harvey to the Brewers for Villar.? Both guys disappointed last year.
jackt
I’d like this, but Counsells comments from earlier today made it seem like they’re going to hold on to Villar. Maybe Broxton and a lower prospect?
Bryzzo2016
I don’t like it for the Brewers. Not only do I think Villar is a better bounce back candidate, Harvey seems like a clubhouse cancer. Milwaukee has a good thing going, why risk messing that up for a flier on a D – Bag.
Erik Trenouth
Still like Profar for Dalton Pompey better
stymeedone
First reasonable trade proposal for Profar I have seen.
Priggs89
For some reason I really want Rick Hahn to trade for Pompey. CF is wide open – might as well give someone with his talent a shot.
The_Porcupine
I guess this is the kind of deal the orioles need to look at- buy low pitchers with potential. I personally think Harvey is done, but he is the type of person you try to roll the dice on for this year. That said, the O’s only have so much talent to trade away, So they had better make sure what ever trade counts, since they can only trade away so much.
indymets
Isn’t Dan Warthen in Texas now?
lonestardodger
Yes. Assistant pitching coach.
sherman7557
Daniels is trying to establish a price range for another Mets starter, in my opinion. If Profar gets Harvey, Profar and what else for o be of the other starters.
Rbase
Interesting. From their current teams perspective, Harvey is a possible no.1/2 type pitcher (albeit with some character issues) and Profar is a potential star (albeit with a significant injury history). However, they are also either a starter with a lot of injuries who hasn’t done anything for over 2 years and a failed top prospect that couldn’t even get into the MLB in september. I think neither fan base will be pleased with the return as they would have wanted more from the other team.
justin-turner overdrive
Harvey and Profar are both massive flops. Harvey is a backend type and Profar is a UTL bench guy. Talk about prospect bias!
joparx
Harvey is a godlike pitcher and profar is better than mike trout everyone knows it
justin-turner overdrive
I take it back, Harvey will never be what he was before TOR surgery, which is worse than TJ – another surgery he had. He’s totally broken you guys.
joparx
Possibly true, have you considered the fact that Justin Turner doesn’t have a soul though? Could be a sign the Phillies want Machado
reflect
Yeah but Mercury is in retrograde, so I think Machado is going to the Twins.
joparx
I’m not sure if mercury is in retrograde, because I don’t know what that means, however you seem confident and I’m sold…Machado to the twins
Trevor 3
Reflect seems like a smart man, therefore, I’m sold as well.
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
Mets should have traded Harvey two years ago after his little temper tantrum cost them game 5 of the World Series. Maybe they and the Orioles can work out a Harvey for Harvey trade lol.
NuckBobFutting
The Pirates should be in talks for Harvey. The Pirates love project pitchers, and the Mets have interest in Harrison, maybe a deal can be built around them
mlb1225
I like the idea of trading for Harvey to make him a project, but I think Harrison is too much.
stymeedone
If the Mets are seriously considering Profar, a switch to Harrison should cost Harvey and Gsellman
sportsjunkie24
Britton for harvey and prospects
dimitriinla
As an Orioles fan I would love that.
dimitriinla
Provided of course the prospects are decent to good.
justin-turner overdrive
Oh please, Profar is borderline AAAA at this point, as is Harvey, but Harvey has MLB success. This is a pretty equal trade.
stymeedone
No, Profar’s success is imaginary. This is slanted in the Rangers direction.
slider32
I wouldn’t trade Harvey, he is one more year removed from TOS, Somebody might catch lightning in a bottle with him. The Mets hopes are all on their pitching, they need to add to it, not subtract.
herecomethephillies2018
Harvey reminds me of the modern day Brandon Webb. Such talent early in a career that was derailed by injuries and left him a shell of his former self. Hopefully Harvey figures it all out and gets back to form, be was always fun to watch pitch.
thecoffinnail
He reminds me more of Mark Prior.. Webb wasn’t the power pitcher they were. He never broke 9/SO9 and never had an FIP under 3.. All 3 of them were overworked though but Harvey and Prior were overworked too soon after returning from major injuries.. Melvin, Baker and Collins all overused their TOR pitchers.. Dusty like to trash bullpens as well..
Wesly Marshall
Please do not do this ,Dan Duquette. The Orioles need a starting pitcher that doesn’t suck. That would be a terrible trade for us. Brach is one of the better relievers in the game.
tomrantmore
Is Profar even an upgrade from Flores/Rivera? I realize this is a financial move for the Mets but hang on to Harvey, hope he bounces back and then move him at the deadline.
tsc32
Right now? Probably not. Any team trading for Profar would be hoping to tap into the potential and tools he possesses.
Strauss
Profar sucks
The_Porcupine
O’s shouldn’t trade brach for Harvey. Brach is worth more than that I’m not sure the Mets prospects would be worth it. O’Day is okay to trade though.
HiHeat45
Isn’t Profar in his 2nd year ARB? not much more control there.. and he’s surely bouncing ASAP
usafcop
I remember when Harvey was being discussed in possible Baez trade when the Mets and Cubs were discussing trade scenarios….he can no longer fetch star players…..so the Mets would be wise to take a RP like Brach or someone similar to strengthen another area as they have plenty of starting pitching depth
Phillies2017
I would not give up anything of consequence for Harvey.
camdenyards46
Brach, our set up man, for a washed up injured pitcher. Smart
sidewinder11
Since it seems that the Orioles are dangling relievers, how does Patrick Corbin for Brad Brach sound? Other pieces would probably be involved in both sides but it would fill a need for both Arizona and Baltimore
Joe Orsulak
I think Harvey would do better in another city. This guy spends way too much time in the clubs sulking over supermodels that canned him.
stymeedone
Profar for Harvey rumors can only be followed by Swihart for Harvey rumors.
Rob66
Texas should take this deal. Harvey could give them innings this year and a draft pick next winter if he were to leave via free agency. Texas has very much soured on Profar.
thecoffinnail
The Mets need to finally realize that they broke Harvey back in 2015 and he will never be the pitcher he once was.. They need relief help so they should move him to the bullpen.. I think he has a very good shot at becoming the next Kerry Wood..
Realtexan
The Rangers needs to go ahead a let Profor go. Let me be a the best player he can be with another team. He deserves a starting job. And the Rangers need Harvey. So get the trade done Daniels.
tsc32
Lol I’d give up Hanser Alberto for Matt Harvey at this point. Profar has more value than that