MLB Rumors: Former Pitching Phenom's Next Stop May Be Asia, Not New York Mets

Matt Harvey is not ready to call it quits at 31 years old.

The 2015 NL Comeback Player of the Year was reportedly nearing a reunion with the New York Mets but that insinuation was shot down. Things are not looking good for the former MLB All-Star although it is reportedly getting interested to play overseas.

According to the MLB Network, Harvey is drawing interest from teams over in South Korea and Japan. The New York Post confirmed a Korean-based report alleging that the Scott Boras' agency was talking with several KBO teams. Nothing has been made official. KBO teams are allowed three foreign players where only two can be pitchers.

Before that, Harvey was linked to a possible reunion with the Mets. However, MLB.com refuted the claim and said that there is no truth to the allegation. Hence, it may be best for Harvey to try his luck in Asia and try to recall his old form.

Harvey has been on the sidelines since 2019. At one point, the former Mets player admitted that his playing days could be over. Though only 31, Harvey feels that he can still play baseball if a team would give him a chance. But based on his previous performances, that could be wishful thinking.

Things just fell apart for Harvey in 2019. He signed an $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels but the 31-year-old underperformed. He was released in July after going 3-5 with a 7.09 ERA in 12 starts. His previous stints were not exactly bright either. Before signing with the Angels, he had his shot with the Cincinnati Reds in 2018 following a Mets trade. He hardly showed glimpses of brilliance, particularly his showing in 2015. This was the time when he helped the Mets into the World Series. New York eventually lost to the Kansas City Royals that year.

It was all downhill from there for Harvey. Injuries started to show and the former pitching phenom's career just took a different turn. With no MLB team showing interest, all he can do is try and show he can still play but via a longer route. If he signs and performs well overseas, he could get noticed. If not, it could very well hint at the inevitable for Harvey.