Miami Marlins v New York Mets

Pitcher Matt Harvey #33 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins in the second inning during a game at Citi Field on July 4, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

(Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox need pitching. The Mets, even with the issues experienced thus far in 2016, have an abundance of starting pitching. At some point--especially when the Mets bevvy of young arms become more and more expensive--projecting a trade between the two franchises isn't hard to imagine.



If--or when--that day comes, don't be surprised if Matt Harvey's name is attached to it. The reason: Rumors connecting Harvey to the pitching-needy Red Sox just won't go away.

Last offseason, New York and Boston reportedly had dialogue about Harvey's availability. Now, Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal mentioned Harvey's name in an article about Boston's quest for a high-end, ace-like starting pitcher. Not only was Harvey's name mentioned as a possible fit for the Red Sox, but part of the possible thought process for Boston this summer as well as next offseason.



Perhaps some team will fall out of the race in the next few weeks, creating new possibilities (the Mets and Matt Harvey would be a doozy). But both the Cubs and Rangers have demonstrated the value of hoarding young position players and retaining depth, flexibility and athleticism. The Red Sox, already blessed with shortstop Xander Bogaerts and outfielders Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr., are in position to do the same.



Meanwhile, the chances of landing a top starter in a trade probably will be better in the offseason, when Harvey, the Marlins' Jose Fernandez and others might be more available.



Thus far in 2016, Harvey's been the Mets worst starter. In 92.2 innings, Harvey owns a 4.86 ERA, 4-10 win-loss record, 3.04 SO/BB and 83 ERA+. All four of New York's other rotation members have bested him in each category.

Harvey will be OK



The 27-year-old is set to be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2018 season.



Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.