The journeyman starter, Jason Vargas, will move to yet another team as it was reported Friday that he has signed with the New York Mets. MLB reporter Jon Heyman shared the initial report. Heyman also indicated it is a two-year deal worth $16 million plus incentives.
Sources: Mets and Jason Vargas have a deal pending physical
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 16, 2018
Vargas deal is 16m for two years with mets plus incentives
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 16, 2018
Report: Jason Vargas Signs With New York Mets
Drafted by the Florida Marlins (now the Miami Marlins) in the second round with the 68th overall pick in the 2004 June Amateur Draft, Vargas wouldn’t have to wait long to come to the majors as he debuted in 2005. During his rookie year, Vargas finished eighth in ROY voting. In his two years with the Marlins, Vargas had a 5.25 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 116.2 innings pitched. After the 2006 season, Vargas along with pitcher Adam Bostick, were traded to the New York Mets. In exchange, the Marlins acquired pitchers Matt Lindstrom and Henry Owens. After only playing two games for the Mets, Vargas would miss the entire 2008 season recovering from surgery removing a bone spur from his elbow.
During the 2008 off-season, Vargas was involved in a three team trade that sent him to the Seattle Mariners. Vargas, along with first baseman Mike Carp, left fielder Ezequiel Carrera, right fielder Endy Chavez, and pitchers Maikel Cleto and Aaron Heilman, were sent to Seattle. The Mariners sent pitchers Sean Green and J.J Putz, and center fielder Jeremy Reed back to the Mets. Seattle would also trade first baseman Luis Valbuena to the Cleveland Indians. The Mets sent pitcher Joe Smith to the Indians as well. Cleveland, to complete the deal, sent left fielder Franklin Gutierrez to the Mariners. Vargas would go on to play four years in Seattle, pitching a 4.09 ERA with 442 strikeouts in 702.2 innings pitched.
During the 2012 off-season, Vargas was traded again, this time going to the Los Angeles Angels. In exchange, Seattle acquired first baseman Kendrys Morales. After his year with the Angels, Vargas would sign a four-year contract with the Kansas City Royals worth $32 million. During his four years with the Royals, Vargas pitched a 3.88 ERA with 300 strikeouts in 421.2 innings pitched. Vargas was also named an All-Star during the 2015 season.
The Impact Of The Signing
For the Mets, they gain a pitcher who has fixed his controversial control issues from his younger days. For the Royals, they lose a reliable pitcher who was a big part of their rotation. But now, Vargas can settle down in his new home, and just go out and pitch.
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