Reds Acquire Matt Harvey via Trade (for Devin Mesoraco)

[Eye Black]

The Matt Harvey thread in the Transaction Rumors / Proposals forum is now locked, but for those interested in furthing the Harvey conversation feel free to discuss here if you’re so inclined.

 

MLB Trade Rumors Link...

 

The Mets and Reds announced on Tuesday that they’ve swapped right-hander Matt Harvey and catcher Devin Mesoraco. The Reds are sending cash to the Mets to offset the difference in salary, as Mesoraco is earning $13.125MM in 2018 to Harvey’s $5.6MM. Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports first reported the trade was close (via Twitter).

 

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports (via Twitter) that Cincinnati is paying the entirety of Mesoraco’s deal, while the Mets are paying all of Harvey’s contract. In essence, then, there’s no impact on either club’s payroll, and the move simply boils down to a change of scenery for two former stars who’ve fallen out of favor and dropped down the depth chart in their original organizations.

 

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The Reds have selected the contract of catcher Tony Cruz from Triple-A in a corresponding move, and he’ll now serve as the backup to Tucker Barnhart, who has replaced Mesoraco in tonight’s lineup. The Mets and Reds are playing each other tonight, and Mesoraco is available to hit for his new club. Harvey will join the Reds later this week in Los Angeles, the team announced.

 

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[JosephC]

There is plenty to not like about Harvey, but I think this is a great deal for the Reds. Reds aren't going anywhere and definitely should have a spot on their staff for a "project" like Harvey. They also don't have to think about Mesoraco taking up a roster spot. The Reds gave him a 4 year, 28 million dollar deal before 2015, and from 2015-2018 he has hit .195/.291/.318/.609. Mesoraco has had bad luck with all sorts of injuries (surgery on both hips, torn labrum in shoulder, broken foot), but having a guy that is always hurt is just as frustrating as having guys that are under-performing.