UNC in MLB: Matt Harvey traded to Cincinnati Reds
By Zack Pearson
Former UNC ace Matt Harvey has a new home in Major League Baseball
Just days after the New York Mets announced they have designated pitcher Matt Harvey for assignment, they have found a trade partner.
The Mets have traded Harvey to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday afternoon, dealing the unhappy pitcher.
Harvey heads to the NL Central with the Reds in exchange for Devin Mesoraco and cash.
The #Reds have acquired RHP Matt Harvey from the Mets in exchange for C Devin Mesoraco and cash. Harvey will join the team later this week in Los Angeles. The Reds have also selected the contract of C Tony Cruz from the Triple-A @LouisvilleBats. pic.twitter.com/n4mCjfbWXK
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 8, 2018
The former University of North Carolina standout was moved to the bullpen a few weeks back after bad start to the season. Harvey was not happy with the move to the pen and even avoided talking to reporters about it.
The 29-year-old had pitched 27 innings split between four starts and four relief appearances, posting a 7.00 ERA. He’s posted a 6.77 ERA since returning from surgery last season and he’s never really returned to form for the Mets.
After a string of bad relief appearances, the Mets felt it was best that Harvey go down to Triple-A but he had other ideas. Harvey refused to go down and forced the Mets hand with the DFA.
The Mets had 10 days to either trade Harvey or outright release him as he was expected to have a few teams as suitors.
It ends up being the Reds who entered Tuesday’s game at 8-27 and dead last in the NL Central and National League. The two teams are currently playing each other in a three-game series with Mesoraco switching dugouts while Harvey is expected to join the Reds in the coming days.
Next: UNC closer Josh Hiatt returns
The Mets will pay the rest of Harvey’s $5.625M salary for the 2018 season and he will be a free agent after the season.