New York Mets: How much longer does Jason Vargas have?
After an abysmal start in 2019, Jason Vargas is giving the New York Mets brass and fans alike serious concern. He is following up a dismal season in 2018 with an even worse encore.
Jason Vargas has three outings for the New York Mets in 2019. One where he surrendered 8 hits in only 5 innings to the Marlins, another of four earned runs in a one-inning relief appearance, and a start against the Braves where he only recorded one out. A very uninspiring start to the 2019 season has many concerned and rightfully so with many options remaining on the free agent market.
The Mets are at the center of a vigorously competitive division in the NL East, where there are no less than four teams that can win the division. As the Mets fifth starter, Vargas’s turn in the rotation will undoubtedly come up many a time in the myriad of series that the Mets play against the Nationals, Braves, and Phillies. Therefore, if he is unable to produce at the level that is required of him, alternatives must be explored.
The most prominent alternative is Dallas Keuchel, former Astros ace and current free agent. Keuchel has remained a free agent due to his high asking price, which will, of course, come down if a reasonable compromise can be had. The Mets would not be sacrificing anything here, besides the money for a likely one-year contract. An opportunity is starring at them, square in the face and it cannot be ignored.
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If the Mets were to go through with such a deal, they would need to provide the left-hander with some time to get acclimated. Likely in the minor leagues, Keuchel would participate in a throwing program and work his pitch count up in minor league games. Once the staff is confident in his fitness and ability to join the Mets, he would be called up with a fresh arm to complete the staff.
This decision is not necessarily drastic, as it only would be a measure of insurance, whereby Vargas would slot into the bullpen as a long reliever of sorts. However, as outlined above, Keuchel would take some time to be stretched out and ready, thus providing extra time for Vargas.
Having six productive pitchers cannot possibly be something they will regret. In the worst case scenario, the Mets would have even more of the depth that Brodie Van Wagenen strived for all offseason.
Sacrifices must be made and if Vargas is not the right fit, the Mets must avoid forcing him into a spot simply because of his salary. He is a liability right now and keeping him in the rotation cannot under any circumstances be the reason they do not reach the playoffs. This rings true, especially when there is such a promising alternative such as Dallas Keuchel on the market.
dark. Next. Is J.D. Davis a steal?
Whatever decision the New York Mets front office makes, it would be wise to do so quickly because this division battle will come down to a few games.