Mets, Matt Harvey avoid arbitration, settle for $5.6 million

Matt Harvey has signed what will likely be his last contract as a member of the New York Mets.

In his final year of arbitration eligibility, the Mets and Matt Harvey have agreed a one-year deal that will see the former Dark Knight get a small raise of $500,000 from his 2017 salary.

A year after posting his worst statistics as a professional baseball player, Matt Harvey will try find some magic before he hits the free agent market after the 2018 season.

To say the last two seasons have a been a struggle for Matt Harvey would be an egregious understatement. After an incredibly gutsy performance in 2015 – his first full season after undergoing Tommy John surgery – Harvey simply couldn’t establish any type of dominance on the mound.

The Harvey of old had vanished before our eyes and after needing to undergo surgery again in 2016, this time for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, we had to wonder if 2017 would be any better. It turned out to be even worse.

Harvey started 18 games last year and had an ERA of 6.70. He struck out just 67 batters in 92 2/3 innings as he struggled to really have any command of his formerly devastating pitches. His fastball’s speed was nonexistent as he struggled to even get to mid 90s.

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This offseason, the Mets were rumored to be shopping Matt Harvey around, but ultimately decided to keep him. Given his value is at an all-time low, that was definitely the right call.

With the addition of a new coaching staff that’s known to be pitching-focused, Harvey could see the most benefit of all the pitchers on the Mets staff. He really has nothing to lose at this point, so hopefully they’re able to help him find some consistency on the mound.

No one is asking, or truly believes, that the old Matt Harvey will be back. His 98 mph fastball up in the zone days are done. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be an effective starter for this team. The 28-year-old still has time to find a new style of pitching that will show his talents.

Next: Mets looking into reunion with first baseman Lucas Duda

I’ve picked Harvey as my National League Comeback Player of the Year award winner, so you can say I believe. It’s time to put up or shut up once and for all.