Giants showing serious interest in Matt Harvey, who Mets are confident they will trade

The San Francisco Giants are interested in trading for Matt Harvey, according to Andy Martino of SNY, who describes their interest as “very strong.” Martino also adds that the Reds might be interested in acquiring Harvey, which puts another team on a list of potential destinations from earlier in the evening. Ken Rosenthal adds that the Mets are confident that they will be able to trade Harvey before their window to do so expires.

The longtime Met, who was once the team’s ace, was designated for assignment on Saturday. In 27.0 innings across four starts and four relief appearances for the Mets this year, Harvey had a 7.00 ERA and 5.67 FIP with just a 16.3 percent strikeout rate—or 6.67 strikeouts per nine, if that’s your preference. He’s earning $5.625 million this year, and the Mets are reportedly willing to eat most of that salary to get a better return in a potential trade.

Harvey’s career took a turn for the worse in 2016, his second season back after Tommy John surgery, as he threw just 92.2 innings with a 4.86 ERA and found out that he needed surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Since having that surgery, he has a 6.77 ERA and 6.22 FIP in 119.2 innings of work. It’s extremely rare for pitchers to return to their previous level of performance after having that surgery, and thus far, it doesn’t look like Harvey will be one of the rare exceptions.

Shortly after the Giants reports from Martino and Rosenthal, Mike Puma added that the White Sox are on the list of potential suitors for Harvey.