UNC Baseball: Matt Harvey agrees to minor league deal with Orioles

The former UNC baseball standout will attempt to earn a starting rotation spot with the Baltimore Orioles.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a minor league deal with former UNC baseball standout Matt Harvey.

Harvey, 31, last pitched for the Kansas City Royals during last year’s pandemic-shortened season. Over seven appearances (four starts), the former Tar Heel posted an 0-3 record with a 11.57 ERA over 11.2 innings of work.

After a stellar start to his big league career with the New York Mets, Harvey unfortunately has not found the same type of success since. Over the last few seasons, the former first round pick has had stints with the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels and the aforementioned Royals, as he looks to rejuvenate his career.

As Harvey’s deal is just a minor league contract, there’s no guarantee that he’ll secure a spot on the team’s big league roster. However, the Orioles are in need of some pitching depth, and Harvey could find himself contributing in some way at some point this season.

Earlier in the offseason, the Orioles came to terms on a similar type of deal with former CY Young Award winner Felix Hernandez. With a starting rotation full of youth and not a ton of big league experience, the Orioles could call on the likes of Harvey and Hernandez to help eat some innings throughout the 162-game season.

If Harvey doesn’t crack the team’s rotation, there’s a possibility that he could earn a role as a reliever. Last season, the veteran right-hander made three appearances out of the bullpen, and has the ability to be used in different roles.

This is a low risk, high reward type of signing for the Orioles. If Harvey can get back on track and prove he’s still an effective pitcher, he could be a very valuable asset for Baltimore’s pitching staff this season.

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