Mets sign Jason Vargas for starting rotation
The New York Mets have agreed to a deal with veteran starting pitcher Jason Vargas.
According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the New York Mets and left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas have agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $16 million, pending a physical.
Sources: Mets and Jason Vargas have a deal pending physical
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 16, 2018
Vargas’ deal also comes with incentives and a club option for 2020, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Vargas could earn as much as $1.5 million in incentives during each season with the Mets. His club option for 2020 is also worth $8 million.
Vargas, who turned 35 this month, figures to be part of the Mets’ rotation this season. New York’s rotation was at one time extremely promising and had the potential to be one of the best in the league. But constant injuries to their star pitchers have derailed their chances to be a powerhouse. With Vargas, the Mets now have some added depth.
The veteran pitcher last played for the Kansas City Royals, winning an American League-leading 18 games for the team in 2017. On the season, he went 18-11 with a 4.16 ERA over 179 2/3 innings pitched. He also recorded 134 strikeouts, which is the highest mark of his career. Pitching to the tune of a 2.62 ERA in the first half of the season, Vargas was selected an an all-star.
This will be his second stint with the Mets, as he briefly played for the team in 2007 after being traded to New York from Miami.
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Vargas underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015 after suffering a torn UCL in his left elbow. But the veteran appeared to be in good form for much of the 2017 season.
The Mets are not currently projected to be a winning team in 2018. But their rotation could make them a bit of a dark horse in the NL East. If they can finally succeed in staying healthy for an entire season, they could be surprise contenders.