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Rangers Trade Talk: Profar for Harvey on the Table?

MLB winter meetings are underway this week in Orlando, Florida

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The MLB winter meetings are underway this week in Orlando, Florida. Know what that means? All sorts of fun topics that make their way out into the real world.

One such example is the rumor that the Rangers and New York Mets have engaged in trade talks involving pitcher Matt Harvey and infielder Jurickson Profar. Keep in mind, it’s just chatter right now but crazier things have happened. That’s what the winter meetings are for. It’s like a college mixer, talk to some people and see if anything comes from it.

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The Mets are in need infield help and considering moving their former ace in the process. Harvey is projected to earn $5.9 million in arbitration before reaching the free agent marking at the end of the season. Plus, the love affair between Harvey and the Mets appears to be over. If a deal is done and he can return to form, the Rangers have another ace in the rotation to go along with Cole Hamels.

Harvey was known for bringing the heat during his days in the Big Apple, with the four-seam and two-seam fastball ranging 93-98 miles per hour with movement, mixed in with a slider that can top out at 92. The overhand power curve had plus potential but wasn’t used as frequently. Harvey favored the slider instead.

Meanwhile, the Rangers have ran out of minor league options for Profar, who’s been frustrated over not being on a major league roster and there doesn’t appear to be an open one in Texas. This makes the Rangers’ forgotten man trade bait. Profar didn’t get the September call-up last season, a decision that left the Rangers with three more seasons of arbitrary control, which only enhances his trade value.

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Profar’s overall big league numbers doesn’t seem too attractive on paper- .229 batting average with 12 home runs and 53 RBI in 206 games from 2012-17. However, he’s only 24 years old with a high ceiling. It wasn’t that long ago that Profar was going to be the starting second baseman before suffering a shoulder injury. As a result, Rougned Odor got his chance at second and never looked back.

The Rangers need pitching. Matt Harvey is a pitcher. This makes sense.  Whether the front office in Arlington feel that Harvey is a risk to take remains to be seen.

The winter meetings are officially off and running. Buckle up, it might be a wild ride. 

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