Kevin Kernan

Kevin Kernan

MLB

Matt Harvey to Mets: Show me new contract, I’ll think about it

PORT ST. LUCIE — Matt Harvey arrived early to Mets spring training Monday in style — driving a pulsating Maserati GranTurismo.

The big right-hander knows style and pitching.

And he knows money. Though Harvey, under Mets’ control through 2018, didn’t rule out a long-term contract extension with the Mets, fans shouldn’t get too giddy.

Matt’s Maserati — or a newer version of it — could be racing into someone else’s spring training camp as early as next year.

That may be the best road for Sandy Alderson to take when it comes to the Dark Knight.

“I think whatever comes up, is going to come up,’’ Harvey, 26, told a small group of reporters about a possible long-term extension as he sat in the third-base dugout at Tradition Field. “I’ve never shied away from it. I’ve never said I wouldn’t consider it, but I haven’t heard anything considering that.’’

That is as lukewarm an endorsement as you will ever hear.

He basically said, “Show me the money and I’ll think about it.’’

It wasn’t as if Harvey said, “After going to the World Series and the faith Terry Collins and the Mets showed in me last year, combined with the care they showed in my return from Tommy John surgery, makes me want to stay here forever, so let’s get a fair deal done.”

Harvey will make $4.325 million this season and as he gets closer and closer to free agency, he’s not going to give away that earned right unless the Mets blow the doors off with a long-term contract proposal. And do you really think that is happening?

HarveyAnthony J. Causi

The best thing for the Mets to do is make Harvey the Opening Day starter and let him lead this staff, if all goes right, back to the World Series and win it all this time. There are no innings limits.

Then trade Harvey in the offseason when the other young starters are a year older and wiser. Get young talent for Harvey, start by asking the Red Sox for shortstop Xander Bogaerts and/or center fielder Mookie Betts and some young arms and move on to a world without Harvey.

Maybe the Red Sox could sign Harvey to a long-term deal. Maybe Harvey will do what it seems like from Day 1 and sign as a free agent with the Yankees.

If a trade offer never is made that suits the Mets’ purposes, they can just ride Harvey through the 2018 season as their ace and start over again with a draft pick when he leaves.

Mets fans should enjoy each and every one of Harvey’s starts. Enjoy this Maserati of a ride Harvey will give you every five days. He is motivated, in good shape and threw 216 innings last season in his comeback year.

That’s impressive, and Harvey is looking for bigger and better things this season after going 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA last season.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever done that,’’ he said of his 200-plus innings total, “so that is kind of a milestone you want to reach as a starting pitcher. I felt great doing it.’’

“[My arm] feels great. We did everything we possibly could to manage going into this season. I felt great going into last year but this year it is nice knowing I had a full season and going into a fresh year it feels great.

“We have a lot of confidence this year and a lot of knowledge and experience, we’re excited about starting fresh this year.’’

Specifically, Harvey said of that final World Series game, that ninth inning after he pleaded to stay in the game when he walked Lorenzo Cain on a breaking ball, he would relish being in the same situation again, but instead of a breaking ball, he would throw a different pitch — certainly his fastball.

“If I went back I’d throw a different pitch,’’ Harvey said. “Everybody wishes they could go back at some point and change things. I’m always going to want the ball as much as the next guy.’’

Yes he will.

He will also want a contract that figures to be way too rich for the Mets’ tastes. The Mets need to make the most of their Maserati of a pitcher this season and blaze down a new road after the season.