ROLE OF THE DICE

Anderson, Amazin's appear ready to gamble on disappointing Harvey

MIAMI — Matt Harvey could be the most expensive mop-up pitcher in the major leagues next season, an inexpensive ace for another team or something in between.

The Mets appear willing to gamble on the disappointing right-hander, even at the risk of potentially wasting $6 million in 2018 should the struggles that have defined Harvey’s last two seasons persist.

And that means tendering a contract to the arbitration-eligible pitcher.

“It’s highly unlikely that we’re not going to bring him back next year,” general manager Sandy Alderson told The Post on Wednesday after the Mets’ 9-2 loss to the Marlins.

Since returning from the disabled list this month, Harvey has pitched to a 13.19 ERA over four starts, continuing a downward spiral that began last season, when he was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome for which he underwent surgery that cost him the final three months.

Harvey’s latest letdown occurred Monday, when he allowed seven earned runs against the Marlins over fourplus innings.

“We saw some positive things the other day,” Alder- son said. “Hopefully we can build on those. The velocity was a little better, he just needs some confidence and we’re going to keep running him out there and see what happens toward the end of the season. But let’s not assume the worst.”

The Mets are facing a tricky situation with the 28year-old Harvey, especially given that Alderson has hinted the club may look to trim its payroll from $155 million. In 17 starts this season, Harvey is 5-6 with a 6.59 ERA.

But there could be more risk in letting Harvey depart than giving him the roughly $6 million he would command as an arbitration-eligi- ble player. Harvey is earning $5.13 million this year and would stand to receive a bump, even following his disappointing season.

A significant factor for the Mets, not to be underestimated, is avoiding the potential embarrassment that would come if Harvey were non-tendered by the team and then regained his form pitching elsewhere next season.

Harvey angered club officials by skipping a game without permission this season — he was subsequently suspended and missed one start — but it’s unlikely the feelings between the organization and pitcher would be a factor in the equation.

“I know he’s a pain in the [butt],” a major league talent evaluator said, referring to Harvey. “But if he went somewhere else and pitched well, Sandy might be in trouble.”

With starting pitching at a premium, Harvey might be worth it to the Mets even if he is no better than a fifth starter — a comparable free-agent replacement would likely cost more.

Working in Harvey’s favor is the fact Steven Matz underwent seasonending elbow surgery, Zack Wheeler was shut down in August with a stress injury in his arm and Seth Lugo is pitching with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament. All or none of the three could belong to the Mets’ rotation next year.

Lastly, Harvey can hit free agency after next season, all the incentive he should need to resurrect his career in 2018. But if the Mets sensed in spring training that Harvey was beyond repair, they could cut him and recover most of his salary.

“I think he will be better in his free-agent year,” the evaluator said. “He’s been waiting for this.”