40 in 40: Hunter Harvey
Right-handed bullpen pitcher Hunter Harvey Looks to continue to be a essential part of the national bullpen in 2024.
This is day two of our 40 in 40 series, where we will be breaking down the entire 40-man roster until Opening Day. You can read yesterday’s piece on CJ Abrams here (Editors Note: It should now be fixed so that everyone can read it, my apologies).
Position: Right-handed bullpen pitcher
Current status: Washington Nationals
How acquired: On March 21, 2022, Harvey was claimed off of waivers by the Washington Nationals and re-signed a one-year deal with the Nationals on January 2024
2023 Grade: C +
2024 Opening Day Projection Washington Nationals
2023 stats
57 G | 20 GF | 10 GS | 60.2 IP| 44 HA | 7 HR | 21 RA | 13 BB | 67 SO | 2.82 ERA | 4 W | 4 L
2023 Analysis
Right-handed bullpen pitcher Hunter Harvey made 57 game appearances and had ten game saves in his 2023 season with the Nationals. This is Harvey's first time in his career having ten saves. His overall ERA for the 2023 season was 2.82. Harvey had 67 strikeouts. Harvey went four for four this season with four wins and four losses. Harvey signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals this January to avoid arbitration. His 60.2 innings pitched were the highest of his career since 2019. All of his pitches graded out as above average in 2023.
2024 outlook
After pitching a complete season for the first time since 2019, Hunter Harvey seems poised for a breakout year with the Nationals. Harvey should be someone the Nationals rely on more in 2024. When it comes to the Nationals' overall bullpen, National fans can expect his games saved to increase by 11 or 16 this season. Harvey's ERA may start higher, but as the season continues, expect his ERA to drop as low as 2.65 this season. A key thing to focus on in the 2024 season with Harvey is whether he continues to attack in the zone like he did in 2023. My take is that Harvey improves as the season continues. The first month might be rough for him, but he will have an outstanding performance later in the season where he potentially takes over the closer role from Kyle Finnegan.
