Meet 30-year-old right-hander Hunter Harvey, who has been one of the most underrated stories in the majors throughout his career.
Harvey was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2013 and made his MLB debut in 2019. In just 26 games over three seasons with the O’s, he posted a 3.42 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings. He was waived and claimed by the San Francisco Giants that winter, but after spending only spring training with them, he was waived again and claimed by the Washington Nationals in 2022.
In 57 games with Washington that season, Harvey thrived, posting a 2.52 ERA and allowing just 11 earned runs in 39 1/3 innings while striking out 45. The following year, in 2023, he continued strong form with an ERA of 2.82. However, his numbers dipped in 2024, when he posted a 4.20 ERA before being traded to the Kansas City Royals at the deadline. He struggled following the trade, finishing with a 6.35 ERA in six appearances.
General statistics 2025
Harvey’s 2025 season was a minor one, as he missed most of the year with a Grade 1 strain in his throwing shoulder. He only played in 12 games, but didn’t allow a single run and struckout 11 batters. The results have been impressive despite the injuries, but a deeper dive into his skills is needed.
Harvey is a hard-throwing right-hander who averages 96 mph with his fastball and can reach 99-100 mph when fully healthy. Considering the Blue Jays already have a high-velo righty in Louis Varland, adding another flamethrower to the bullpen is an attractive idea. Harvey also features a splitter as his primary secondary pitch, which generated a whiff rate of nearly 38% last season between Washington and Kansas City. He complements it with a curveball that opponents hit just .158 against in 2024, along with a slider that he has tried to integrate more consistently. All in all, it profiles itself as an intriguing project for 2026.
With the Blue Jays bullpen already boasting strong weapons like Yimi García, Braydon Fisher and Mason Fluharty, having another pitcher who can overwhelm hitters with speed would give opposing hitters even more food for thought, especially those on offspeed offerings.
Will Harvey suit up for the Blue Jays?
This one is interesting.
Financially it can also represent good value. Harvey made just over $3.7 million last season, so he likely wouldn’t be a costly addition: He would free up the Blue Jays to divert resources elsewhere, which many believe Ross Atkins and company plan to do this winter.
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