Milwaukee Brewers: Is Matt Harvey a fit for a deadline deal?

The Cincinnati Reds acquired Matt Harvey from the New York Mets with the intention of rebuilding his value and dealing him away. Could the Milwaukee Brewers add Harvey before the trade deadline?

Matt Harvey has made 10 starts for the Reds since the trade in early May. He’s managed to stay healthy and post positive results for the most part. The Milwaukee Brewers are still playing fifth starter roulette while they wait for Zach Davies, Jimmy Nelson, and Wade Miley to work their way back from injuries. Should they look at Harvey before the deadline?

How is Harvey really doing with the Reds?

Harvey has a 3.86 ERA in 53 2/3 innings of work in Cincinnati. He’s only walked 12 while striking out 40. Harvey has been tagged for seven homers in a Reds uniform, but four have come in the Great American Ballpark.

His velocity is down a tick or two from his ‘force of nature’ days in 2015, but he’s still averaging 93.8 MPH on his heater.

What’s his contract like?

He’s owed $5.6 million this year, and hits free agency in November. No options. No special clauses. He’s a two-month rental, and that’s it.

Would the Brewers have interest?

Yes and no. If the Milwaukee Brewers believe that Davies and Nelson will return soon and are close to what they were, they’ll pass on a starter and look to add a bat. However, if it’s clear to the Brewers that Davies is going to need more time, and Nelson might not come back until September, they should look to add to their rotation.

Chase Anderson, Jhoulys Chacin, and Junior Guerra are a capable group, but they’re not difference makers. Brent Suter and Freddy Peralta don’t belong anywhere near a playoff series. A healthy Harvey looking to get a big pay day in November could make a difference in a playoff series.

What would a deal for Harvey look like?

Given that he’s rebuilt some of his value, Harvey will still cost a real prospect even if he’s a rental. An arm like Cody Ponce, Zack Brown, or Trey Supak will have to head to Cincinnati in exchange for Harvey.

Next: Who are the best middle infield trade options for the Brewers?

It’s clear that the Milwaukee Brewers need to strengthen their rotation and lineup as the trade deadline draws closer. A deal for Harvey would allow the Brewers to boost their starting staff, while retaining their top prospects to acquire a middle infielder or a catcher. He won’t cost as much as J.A. Happ, but he could offer a similar impact down the stretch.