Jason Vargas could help the Mets’ rotation

After an All-Star campaign in 2017, Jason Vargas enters free agency as a reliable arm that could stabilize the back end of any rotation. Vargas, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015, put together a very impressive first full season post-surgery and won a career best 18 games for the Kansas City Royals.

With many teams in the market for a reliable veteran starting pitcher, Vargas has already been rumored to have drawn interest from several, including the Baltimore Orioles. Entering his age-35 season, he could be a more affordable option than higher-tier free agent pitchers like Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta.

Last season, Vargas managed to pitch 179.2 innings and solidified the Kansas City Royals’ rotation. With the Mets proving in recent years they are willing to wait out the free agent market, it is reasonable to believe that he could sign a one-year deal for roughly $10 million. In Vargas, the Mets would fit the mold of a crafty starting pitcher who could eat up innings while complementing the likes of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and the rest of the team’s rotation.