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UNC in MLB: Will Matt Harvey be traded to a contender?

By Zack Pearson

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 11: Pitcher Matt Harvey #32 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the first inning during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 11: Pitcher Matt Harvey #32 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the first inning during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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Could former UNC baseball star Matt Harvey find himself pitching for a contender this Summer?

Former University of North Carolina Tar Heels pitcher Matt Harvey could find himself pitching in a pennant race this year.

After being traded to the Cincinnati Reds from the New York Mets, Harvey has slowly turned things around and has added some trade value to his name. Now, rumors are circulating that the Reds could deal Harvey to a contender before the MLB Trade Deadline next week.

Harvey has been linked to a few contenders here in July including the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers. Andy Martino of SNYTV reported on Monday that the Yankees have no real desire to add Harvey, leaving Milwaukee as the likely destination for the veteran pitcher.

The Brewers entered July 30th 1.5 games back of the Chicago Cubs for the lead in the NL Central and are seen as a real threat to challenge the North Siders. They have a very good lineup and a solid bullpen but their rotation could be what dooms them down the stretch.

That’s where Harvey could come in.

Last week, Jon Morosi reported that there has been “on-going” talks between the Reds and Brewers regarding Harvey. The report was later confirmed by Jon Heyman just hours later but as of Monday night, nothing has happened.

While Milwaukee has checked in on starters Zack Wheeler and Kevin Gausman, both would likely command a higher price than Harvey. The 29-year-old Harvey is set to be a free agent after this season and has been rumored to want to test out the market.

After acquiring him in a deal with the Mets back in May, the Reds could cash in on a Harvey trade by at least getting a decent prospect back in return. That’s the ideal situation for Cincinnati in these final hours leading up to the deadline.

The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is Tuesday, July 31 at 4 p.m. EST and like always, expect a flurry of moves to come in the last minute.

Next. Is Andrew Miller close to returning?. dark

Check back with Keeping It Heel as we update you on the status of Harvey and other former Tar Heels in MLB.

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