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Blue Jays 2025 free agent target: Hunter Harvey

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation
By Matthew Spagnuolo | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 12:00 PM ET

With the Blue Jays outrighting Nick Sandlin last week, another roster spot has opened for the team to add an arm to the bullpen. If Seranthony Domínguez also departs in free agency, that would free up yet another spot for a mid-relief option.

Enter 30-year-old right-hander Hunter Harvey, who has been one of the more underrated stories in the majors throughout his career.

Harvey was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round back in 2013 and made his MLB debut in 2019. Across 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 placed on waivers that winter and claimed by the San Francisco Giants, 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, putting up a 2.52 ERA and allowing just 11 earned runs over 39 1/3 innings while striking out 45. The following year, in 2023, he maintained strong form with a 2.82 ERA. His numbers dipped in 2024, however, as he recorded a 4.20 ERA before being traded to the Kansas City Royals at the deadline. He struggled following the trade, ending with a 6.35 ERA in six appearances.

2025 Overall Stats

Harvey’s 2025 season was a small sample size, as he missed most of the year with a Grade 1 strain in his throwing shoulder. He appeared in only 12 games but did not allow a single run and struck out 11 batters. The results were impressive despite the injuries, but a deeper dive into his skillset is needed.

Royals Acquire Hunter Harvey From Nationals https://t.co/DPjlP1Wjps pic.twitter.com/IYhNFHv6po

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) July 14, 2024

Harvey is a hard-throwing right-hander who averages 96 mph on his fastball and can reach 99–100 mph when fully healthy. Given that the Blue Jays already have a high-velo righty in Louis Varland, adding another flamethrower to the bullpen is an enticing idea. Harvey also features a splitter as his primary secondary pitch, which generated nearly a 38% whiff rate 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 he has been working to incorporate more consistently. Altogether, he profiles as an intriguing project for 2026.

With the Blue Jays bullpen already boasting arms with strong stuff, such as Yimi García, Braydon Fisher, and Mason Fluharty, having another pitcher capable of overpowering hitters with velocity could give opposing batters even more to think about—especially those sitting on offspeed offerings.

Does Harvey Fit on the Blue Jays?

This one is interesting.

On one hand, the raw stuff is undeniably there, and teams are always looking for hard-throwing right-handed relievers. On the other hand, Harvey’s injury concerns and inconsistency in 2024 may make the Blue Jays hesitant to fully invest in him as they aim to contend for a championship in 2026. Pete Walker has a strong track record of helping pitchers refine their strengths, which could make Toronto an appealing landing spot for Harvey.

Financially, he may also represent good value. Harvey earned just over $3.7 million last season, so he likely wouldn’t be a costly addition—freeing the Blue Jays to allocate resources elsewhere, which many believe Ross Atkins and company plan to do this winter.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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