The Reds have made a habit of picking pitchers up off the scrap heap and later flipping them for promising young players who have shaped today’s roster. In 2014, they turned Alfredo Simon, a former waiver-wire addition, into eventual third baseman of the future Eugenio Suarez. In 2017, they dealt another waiver claim, Dan Straily, for Luis Castillo and Austin Brice.
They’re hoping former Mets ace Matt Harvey, acquired in exchange for Devin Mesoraco one week ago, will be the latest pitcher whose value they can rebuild. Harvey has the name recognition and track record of success that even a few steps in the right direction might send teams calling in July.