Opinion: Cubs take a risk in signing relief pitcher Hunter Harvey

Hunter Harvey (David B. King, Wikimedia Commons)

The Chicago Cubs are taking a bit of a risk in signing relief pitcher Hunter Harvey of Catawba, North Carolina. That is because the former first round pick only pitched in 12 games last season due to a grade one teres major muscle strain, and a grade two right adductor strain. In the past, Harvey has also missed significant time with tightness in his elbow, an oblique strain  and a right forearm strain. However, Harvey has avoided Tommy John surgery, and the Cubs seemed to overlook Harvey’s history with arm injuries and signed him to a one-year deal worth $6 million plus $1.5 million in incentives on Tuesday according to Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors.

Harvey is joining his fourth Major League Baseball team. He was previously with the Baltimore Orioles for three seasons (2019 to 2021), the Washington Nationals for three seasons (2022 to 2024), and the Kansas City Royals for two seasons (2024 to 2025).

One reason why Harvey came to terms on a lucrative deal with the Cubs is because how effective he was last season with the Royals. Harvey was simply exceptional, even though his time on the mound was limited. In 10 2/3 innings pitched, Harvey did not give up an earned run and only gave up one walk. He had 11 strikeouts, gave up six hits, had five holds, and had an excellent WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) of 0.66.

Harvey also had one victory this past season. It came in a 7-4 Royals win over the Toronto Blue Jays on August 3 in a game that went into 10 innings. Harvey pitched a scoreless ninth inning with me in attendance. I was seated in the upper deck down the first base line.