Could be scared off by Matt Harvey’s

Mets castoff Matt Harvey might have a hard time generating interest from the bulk of the other 29 clubs due to the righthander's "big ego" and his reported penchant for partying, according to one major-league scout.

"A lot of teams are scared off by the personal stuff," the scout said. "But there are teams out there that might think of (Harvey) as some kind of reclamation project and feel they can turn around his career."

After Harvey, 29, refused a minor-league assignment, the Mets designated him for assignment Saturday, which Mets general manager Sandy Alderson called the "end of an era." The Mets selected Harvey in the first round (seventh overall pick) of the 2010 amateur draft but eventually cut ties with the oft-injured and headline-generating pitcher.

The team has seven days from the DFA status to try and find a trade partner for Harvey or release him. Upon release, Harvey would become a free agent and be able to sign for the major-league minimum. He is already scheduled to join a rich free-agent class this winter, headlined by Nationals slugger Bryce Harper."I think the perception is (Harvey) has got a big ego, that he can't shut it off when he gets back to the hotel, so he'll go out and try to find a way to satisfy the need to satisfy that ego," the scout said. "He's 29 and by no means is his career over, but it's on the other side. He's got to learn to pitch more and not be a thrower."Harvey debuted in the majors in 2012 and was the National League starting pitcher in the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field, but then had the first of three major surgeries that fall of '13 when he underwent Tommy John surgery. He had 2016 surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome and shoulder surgery last year.

In between, there were cringe-worthy interviews where Harvey said he wanted to emulate former Yankee captain Derek Jeter in the romance department, gossip items detailing Harvey's nighttime pursuits, and a three-game suspension issued by Alderson last year after Harvey failed to show up to a Saturday game. Harvey admitted being out "past curfew" partying the night before.

But Yankee fans who think Harvey would look good in pinstripes shouldn't hold their breath right away, according to one baseball source. While the Bombers have made reclamation projects out of ex-Mets like Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden, the 2018 club likely wouldn't entertain a trade unless the Mets were willing to pick up all or most of the remainder of Harvey's $5.625 million salary.A more plausible scenario would be Harvey landing in California with the Dodgers, Angels or Giants, the source said. Harvey's agent, Scott Boras, has offices in Newport Beach, roughly an hour drive to Angel Stadium and Dodger Stadium. Harvey could enjoy the benefits of the Boras' counsel and Boras Corp.'s training facility near Newport Beach. Harvey might also enjoy the softer media glare in California, rather than the klieg lights present in Gotham.

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto are currently on the disabled list, presenting pitching holes with those two clubs. Reports indicate Seattle is interested in Harvey, and the Rangers would be another favorable destination since former Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen is there and is a Harvey supporter.

"The Mets had a chance to mold this guy, and it didn't work out," the scout said. "The reports make it out that he's super immature, but I don't think it's as bad as he's made out to be. Some team might be willing to give him a second chance."