New York Mets: Who will be moved by the deadline?
By Nick Reid
#4: Jason Vargas, SP
Jason Vargas has actually exceeded expectations this season, unlike the rest of the players on this list. Unfortunately, Jason Vargas is still Jason Vargas, unlike the rest of the players on this list.
In all seriousness, Vargas is in the midst of a renaissance campaign. The 36-year old has made 14 starts and holds a 3.77 ERA that would stand as his best such mark since 2014, along with a 1.31 WHIP, .718 opp. OPS and 63 strikeouts in 71.2 innings.
The New York Mets’ 2019 starting rotation has been in disarray, for the most part, which makes Vargas’ relative success a boon for a club whose pitching staff has been one of the worst across the senior circuit. Vargas posted a 2.70 ERA in June which he kicked off with throwing a complete game shutout in which he surrendered just one walk and recorded eight punchouts.
The thing about Vargas is that he can’t really be trusted, as his 14th year in the big leagues has been consistently inconsistent. He can’t be trusted much off the field either, as the veteran has found himself at the center of serious controversy in the clubhouse and he is seemingly in the need of a change of scenery. Vargas has been slightly above average this season (108 ERA+), which is sadly that’s the best the Mets have to offer on the trade block.
A contender looking to acquire the southpaw prior to July 31st would be doing so as a way to add depth to their pitching staff, slotting him in as a 5th starter or perhaps a swingman acting as an insurance clause in case a rotation piece gets hurt. The return coming to the Mets wouldn’t include any high-profile assets, but anything is better than letting Vargas walk.