It wasn't long ago that Matt Harvey was rocketing to superstardom in the Big Apple. Now, he's trying to keep his baseball career afloat.
The right-hander's once-promising career has spiraled since his starring turn for the New York Mets in the 2015 World Series. While injuries certainly contributed, off-field issues - which he insists are now behind him - played a significant role in his downfall.
"I've grown up and matured on and off the field," Harvey told Dan Martin of the New York Post. "There are a lot of things I'd do differently, but I don't like to live with regret."
The Dark Knight became a sensation in Queens after he debuted in 2012. The following year, he was named an All-Star and finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting. After Tommy John surgery cost him a full season, he returned in 2015 to help the Mets win a pennant.
Meanwhile, Harvey and his agent Scott Boras publicly battled with the Mets over his innings limit, most famously during the World Series. The clashes continued into 2016 when he made just 17 starts before season-ending surgery to fix thoracic outlet syndrome, and they only intensified after he failed to regain his effectiveness.
The Mets designated him for assignment in 2018 after he refused to go to the minors, eventually trading him to Cincinnati. Last year, Harvey posted a 7.09 ERA in 12 starts for the Los Angeles Angels before being released in July. He finished his season in Oakland's system.
The 31-year-old received some interest this winter and worked out for the Toronto Blue Jays, but he didn't receive any offers.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Harvey was throwing at Boras' headquarters in California. Now, he's working with his dad and former high school coach, Ed, in an attempt to kick-start his career once baseball resumes. Although he understands the pandemic may put a wrench in his plans, Harvey's determined to make another push.
"I'm throwing bullpens once or twice a week," Harvey said. "I hope I get the opportunity. I feel like I'm in high school again, where I have to showcase myself and start all over. I just want to put myself in position to be ready and if it doesn't work out, to know I put the effort in to make a comeback."
"I hope somebody gives me a shot," he added. "I feel like I have many more years in me."
