Chris Harvey

CHRIS HARVEY, CATCHER
Born: March 10, 1993
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 215
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
How Acquired: Non-drafted free agent
College: Vanderbilt University
Agent: N/A

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

Harvey was the backup catcher at Vanderbilt for three years.  He had a year of eligibility remaining, but signed with the Pirates as an undrafted free agent.  He didn’t hit much or show much plate discipline.  In his college career, he threw out 18% of base stealers and he hasn’t shown a good arm as a pro.  Harvey hails from Fort Washington, PA.

2014
R+:  292/395/415, 65 AB, 2 2B, 2 HR, 10 BB, 17 K

The Pirates sent Harvey to Bristol, where he hit surprisingly well in limited at-bats.  He had problems defensively, committing 11 passed balls in 18 games, including four in one game.  He threw out 15% of base stealers.

2015
A-:  143/143/224, 49 AB, 2 2B, 1 3B, 22 K

Harvey got limited playing time at Morgantown, strictly at first and DH, along with one appearance on the mound.  He probably spent the bulk of his time catching in the bullpen or in extended spring training.  His hitting, in his limited chances, was dismal, with no walks and close to a 50% strikeout rate.

2016
A-:  301/345/391, 133 AB, 9 2B, 1 HR, 8 BB, 36 K

Harvey spent the season with Morgantown, where he got a lot more playing time than the previous year.  He was effectively the backup catcher, as the Pirates didn’t seem inclined to play Kevin Krause behind the plate much.  Harvey also saw a little time at first.  His hitting improved.  A lot of it was a product of an astronomical .398 BABIP, but he hit for a little power as well.  He continued to strike out a lot.  He had a huge platoon split, with a .988 OPS against LHPs and .609 against RHPs.  He threw out only 14% of base stealers.

Harvey figures to continue serving as a lower level organizational catcher.

CONTRACT INFORMATION
2017: Minor league contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2014
MLB Debut:
MiLB FA Eligible: 2020
MLB FA Eligible:
Rule 5 Eligible: 2017
Added to 40-Man:
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
July 1, 2014: Signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a non-drafted free agent.